hello everyone!
Remember stories of my ancestors in our vast land of North America. We had been living there for hundreds of years but one day Europeans came and we lost our land and millions of American Indians lives. They saw our land as their home because, my lord, the land is so rich and huge and we were only Barbarians. So they became the master of our motherland. This is evil and totally unacceptable but I kind of understand why the Europeans did it. What a gain! Mind you our ancestors never met Europeans before - they discovered us, so they say, which is quite different from the fact that the Dalai Lama was honoured by some Chinese Emperor.

I envy today's Tibetans because they haven't shared my fate as an American Indian - our people were given tiny pieces of land to live, with little support from the government. I heard Han Chinese've built roads and provided subsidies for Tibetans' education and medical care. I wish we have the same fortune.

An American Indian

Little, nottingham,

To People in Europe:
Since most your countries are 'nation' country-one country have only one ethnic, of course you cannot understand Chinese history and culture. We have 56 ethnics now, the consolidation between different ethnics were formed during the past 5000 years, especially in the past 1000 years. It is too complicated to let you know the unique ethnic relationship in China, if you really concern Tibet issue, you'd better read more books and site visit in China.
I know you only can read the books written by Dalai Lama about Tibet, so you have your current opinion on Tibet. You already regard it as "arbitrary" country and reject to read any documents from China. But how you can be fair to this issue? You only see one side of the coin.
No matter how strong the 'Free Tibet' voice, it is only a voice of minority, most of them are even not native Tibetan. I don't think they really know about Tibet. Tibet has 6 million people and most of them support Chinese government.

Tina, Hong Kong,

Her Excellency's presentation of the Chinese government's respect and admiration for Tibetan culture and piety is a gross manipulation of the truth.

While the PRC has invested heavily in repairing and rebuilding Tibet’s monasteries, she neglects to mention that the repairs are necessary as the monasteries were ravaged by Chinese Red Guards in the Cultural Revolution. Two summers ago when I visited Tashilhunpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, these repairs had not yet covered over the slogan "Long Live Chairman Mao" (毛主席万岁) defacing a Buddhist mural.

Her admiration for the piety seen in Johkang temple is tragically ironic. Recently the only group of foreign reporters allowed into Lhasa after the unrest met monks in Jokhang shouting "Tibet is not free,!" "What they (the Chinese government) are telling you is lies!"

The brazen manipulation of the truth in this article is chilling, all the more as these views are accepted as fact by the majority of Han Chinese in the PRC.

Malcolm, London, UK

An apologist for the brutal dictatorship. China is a human rights abusing dictatorship. I will be boycotting the games. The ambassador should resign and the Olympics taken off Beijing.

Dan, Australia,

"Chinese" and "China" is a term made up by those in the West who failed to see the Middle Kingdom as the diverse place that it has been for centuries. If the Han Chinese are truly as repressive as the West portrayed them to be, how do you explain why there are still over 50 minority groups who still have their language and culture intact even after thousands of years? The Tibet issue is simply a situation where a small group of power-hungry people uses violence against the Han Chinese and other minorities and then tries to justify their actions by hiding behind religion. The Olympics originated in the West, it is not just a coming-out party for the Chinese, it is a chance for the West to strengthen its cultural appeal and influence in a country that have very different traditions and beliefs. If some politicians and special-interest groups want to mess up the whole affair, it is the West that will have something to lose, not the Chinese.

Lee, NY,

The Chinese ambassador is an 'Inner' Mongolian.
We Mongolians and Tibetans have a similar culture and history! Why is independent 'Outer' Mongolia not part of China again, like Tibet?

Bogd Khan, Ulaan Bator,

The fear/concern among the Chinese authorities is understandable. It created a united china using fear and repression. To even grant more freedom to Tibet means a possible undoing their 50 years of effort. China can never be a democratic country, and nor do they want such a system. It will always be an authoritarian regime watching decedents trying to undermine it's power and nip it in the bud.

rudy, NY, US

Fu Ying: "The beauty of Tibet has brought me back there time and again. Its distinct cultural appeal and its unique history gives Tibet a special place in China."

So special that China has engaged in a deliberate policy of ethnic dilution, to remove Tibet's distinct cultural appeal.

Maybe Chinese central planning and subsidies have improved the lot of Tibetans. Just like English funding of Scotland. But at the end of day, if Tibetans (or Scots) want an independent country, then a distant Government in Beijing (or London) should not stand in their way.

Alex, Tunbridge Wells,

Part of China since the 13th Century? How why? These countries are poles apart,they are different nations by language and culture.China is suffering from of self delusion which very convenient for its expansionist polices.Who's next I wonder? Japan?

Robert |Boyd, Derby, Derbyshire

Like Ambassador Fu, I'm optimistic about the torch relay tomorrow. There may be protesters trying to get their message across through TV cameras but so long as rioters don't kill people, as in Tibet, or confront the people and destroy buildings, like in Belgium, Paris, it's nothing special. Tibet is certainly a complicated issue. But for many in the West, before taking a position and pointing your finger at Beijing, ask yourselves these questions. Do Tibetans in China support independence or national unity? Are Tibetan culture and religion destroyed or well-preserved? You don't have to believe government, but don't believe Dalai Lama simply because he looks innocent and sounds like a pro-democracy fighter. Check his track record on how he ruled Tibet before 1950. Don't trust media, because it may report out of tuition and values but, like you, may not understand what's happening on the other side of the world. Do some research and travel to Tibet, you will find answers you need.

Kevin W., London, UK

Shame on the world for doing nothing about his issue. I guess Bush and Brown have more pressing matters like getting missle defence against the impending alien invasion in Europe and securing oil in the Middle East, or sorry, I mean securing freedom and fighting the terrorists<sarcasm here. Really have to watch those 'other' people<sarcasm. We all demand human rights from China yet none of us are willing to do what it takes.(ie stop buying there projects,boycotts and such). We want our cake and to eat it too as they say. Shameh shame

A. Brouwers, Victoria, Canada

A very simple question should be asked despite the so call historical facts, why is Tibet still unsettle if ambassador's clam that its all improving is true? Could it be it is simply not true n what so call improved Tibet is for the Chinese instead for the good of Tibetains. I wouldn't smash my house because I am living comfortabley in it? Would u?

Jack Chen, newcastle upon tyne, UK

Thank you Times for publishing this article, this act has really captured the essence of the freedome of speech - something very rare whenever it comes to the Tibet issue.

People are entitled to their opinions, pro or anti China. It has been frustrating that of the 1478 Tibet news articles on GOOGLE, few are as different from the herd as this one.

Through this event, it seems even though most western media is not controlled by the governent, they are trapped by the need to grab eyeballs, and report things that the readers would like to hear. Few readers will change their opinions after reading this article, but Times is standing up for the freedome of speech that many of the same readers are fighting for. I only wish they were open minded to see beyond "their" brain wash that it is America's sacred duty to destroy everything that is different and therefore inferior to America.

Yun Si, NYC, US

Chinese media (like CCTV) says that Western media (like CNN) is unfair.
The Chinese ambassador has written her opinion in a Western newspaper! When can the Dalai Lama write his opinion in a Chinese newspaper?

Bogd Khan, Ulaan Bator,

There are no historical documents that state that Tibet is part of China, or that Tibet agreed to be part of China unless of course you include claims from the Mongol's Yuan Dynasty. The Mongols were not and are not Han Chinese. If we are too follow this argument then I guess China has a right to Korea and Vietnam and every other region the Mongols conquered. It is very hard to argue with a people who have been spoonfed CCP controlled education since childhood.

A. Brouwers, Victoria, Canada

Thank goodness for the other point of view, or more accurately, another point of view! I am a supporter of 'Free Tibet' but I am sick to death of the daily dose of China bashing from the Western media. The rights and wrongs of historical conflicts are never so clear cut and there is violence on both sides! Please let the Olympics be kept apart from politics.

Amy , London , UK

One thing come across from Ms Fu Ying column very strongly is that, she, the Chinese Government and majority of Han Chinese do not know of (or choose to ignore) Tibetans real grievances. One notices that Fu Ying put great emphasize on "development", "reform" and "harmonious society", but the thing is, do the Tibetan want these? Tibetan don't want development that destroy their culture, they don't want reform that dilute their religion, and they sure do not want to be harmonised to become Han Chinese. China's formula of development to create wealth and jobs has worked well for the rest of Han's China, and as a result the country is prospering. But it has not occurred to the Chinese that there are more to life that money and that people of other religious and ethnic have other priorities, such as freedom to practice religion and worship etc.



I have met many Han Chinese (like Ms Fu) who like to travel Tibetan regions to see the scenery and take picture of Tibetan traditional costume, but that's all they do. Chinese rarely understand about the "real" Tibetan history and their true believe. Many popular comments I have heard from Chinese regarding Tibetan are: they are "dirty", "superstitious", "religious fanatic", and having "wrong priority in life". Many Han Chinese officials actual think that they are doing the Tibetan a favour by "liberate" them from these "bad practices". Furthermore, it is not uncommon to hear Chinese say that Tibetan should be grateful that Chinese government pour billions of RMB into Tibet each year (just like Ms Fu's column).



To me, the Chinese are racists and has a lot to learn about "harmonious racial society".



So, to Ms Fu and those comments from oversea Chinese who leave hateful comments in many Western newspaper site, please don't fool yourself and don't get caught in this China vs the West mentality. Read up history, soak up more opinions from oversea regarding the Tibetan issues and understand about the real Tibetan grievances. China wants to be recognised as an important and respectful member of the international community, but it is not enough by just being strong economically and greater political clout. China will have to earn that respect by being mature and open.



JC

Malaysia

JC, KL, Malaysia

I was born in China and raised in America. I love America, at the same time, I feel I understand China better than most Americans. The facts about Tibet's history in this artical is a bit exagerated, nonetheless, Tibet's ties to China are undeniable. All the figures, and most of the facts are true, and verifiable. This article has really captured what I feel about the issue.

The level of China's control over Tibet has varied over the centuries, depending on China's strength. As much as Americans value freedom, the Chinese values a strong and united nation - not because of communism, but because a shameful chapter of foreign invasion in the early twentieth century.

Chinese government has made horrendous mistakes, and they have been ruthless. However, it has also done wonders for its people. In terms of national unity, the Chinese government will forever have the hearts of its people, with or without the propaganda. One China is the core of Chinese national identity.

Yun Si, NYC, US

Wonderful Piece. Tibet is a province of China. Surely, the degree of China's political control is different throughout the Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic of China, and People's Republic of China period from 13th century to 21st century. During the Yuan dynasty, Tibet recognize that it is a part of Kublai Khan's domain. During the Ming, 14th to 17th century, the Dalai Lama was crowned by the emperor of China. During the Qing, Tibetan Buddhism was the religion of the imperial family, and Qing's control was much greater than previous dynasty. Twice sending expedition into Tibet to repell the Nepalese invasion. The current indepence movement was started by the 13th Dalai Lama who wanted to make a deal with the British who was expanding into the territory. This was during the last years of 19th century. During Republic of China, due to tremendous weakening of the Chinese state with civil war, warlordism, and foreign invasion, there was the false illusion of independence by many lamas..

Garry, Sardine, San Fransico

Save the propaganda for China Daily!

C Keating, London, UK

What was tibet BEFORE China? It wasn't anything a bunch of nomads and mountains. Don't assume that your Americanized views of a country should distort another countries political views. Before you decreed a countries ignorance, reveal yours.

darwin, Burnaby, Canada

This is a very sincere statement from the Chinese ambassador. Times Online should be congratulated for having the courage to facilitate constructive dialogue between two totally different countries and cultures.

I am a Chinese living in Canada. I have been quite shocked and disturbed by the negative image of China portrayed by the Western free media since I landed North America. If I say anything good about China, I will be either labeled as Chinese spy, or accused of being paid by Chinese government, even be asked to go back to China on many occasions. The intolerance in the West to different opinions is amazing.

There is attitude problem in the West. Many westerners are so arrogant talking about China such that they appear to know better than Chinese themselves. West media like Times has a responsibility to facilitate a healthy respectful dialogue environment rather than provoking hatred among people.

B Pin, ottawa, Canada

Reader from San Francisco.! How come you know so much about the Ambassador's home country? Is it that only people from your part of the world who knows what is best for the East? And only your leaders are doing the right thing.

Finally, after all these weeks of events, comes an opinion from someone in a position to do so. He represents China in England. And right away you people think he regard the 'people of the world' stupid & blind !

Are any of your people running a country of 1.3 billion people ?
Do you know about the time when China was being over run by foreign powers? How did that fit in with your people? Is that being forgotten? The Ambassador did not go on ranting about all the unjustice doneover the ages.

Politics is politics. The olympics is a sporting event for all to share. Try to see the difference and be fair to all the sportsmen/women of the world ! It is their show. Let it go that way.

Chen, Gothenburg, Sweden

Mr Ying - perhaps you would care to say a few words about the genocide China has carried out against the Tibetans over the past 50 years?

Andrew Frame, London,

Who are we to even dare lecture China now. Having grown up and lived in Hong Kong I find myself having a far greater respect for their culture than I do for our own. To be utterly honest I actually find myself debating the question of wither or not to leave these shores and move there because my engineering and scientific skill base is much more valued within their culture as here I am but a "nerd" and worth naught.

The term feral child is almost unknown in China as they do still have a sense of what a community is. Even the communist party has come to understand this simple fact of life. Where as here the only people with human "rights" here are thugs, murders, tyrants and terrorists, quite literally. They are truly progressive where as we have regressed to being cavemen in the name of "progress" in our society.

And as for Tibet? Well I am Scot, since when did we become ruled by Whitehall? A circular question like which is much like Tibet and the silk road.

Stuart, Glasgow,

Mean minded Chinese government did the same in Kashmir and wants to do to parts of India claiming traditional linkage like Arunachal etc. TIbet has been an independent country for centuries. That it has a different culture & belief goes to prove its independence until invasion of Chinese. It is wishful thinking for Chinese government to assume that there won't be any trouble with the olympics & they are now doing all they can to pacify thru' just words. I'm sure & rightly so considering issues that China does not address inc. human rights, its olympic standing should be undermined & issues should be brought to the attention of world media. If not olympics will close & it would go back to its own way of intimidating its neighbours.

Tim , London, Britain

"The Olympic torch comes to London tomorrow. Though some will use it as an opportunity to protest, the Olympics are for all of us."
Its ironic you say that the Olympics are for us all, and the it's the torch of 'peace'. The protesters around the world are ones who are truly standing up for REAL PEACE. It is they who call for the Olympics to truly be for ALL PEOPLE. They are the ones demanding that the so called "Olympic dream" is adhered to! The Olympic Charter states that sport should be used to the service of humanity and the Olympics should respect human dignity - China makes a mockery of these principles.

I have huge admiration for much of Chinese culture, but many Chinese need to learn when to be patriotic and when to question the treatment of their government.

Shame on you all who think human rights are political and should be swept to the side while we watch 'the games'! I certainly won't be watching! and I hope every single stop that the torch makes is met by protest.

Ash, Auckland, New Zealand

The ambassador fabricates history to justify genocide - how low can you go.

David, Sydney, Australia

The issue is not whether Tibet was ruled by China in the past. If history were the basis for defining ownership of regions, then we should have Turkey, as the residue of the Ottoman Empire to rule most of Europe and N. Africa. We could invoke the British rule of the colonies to have London rule over the U.S., India and other colonies. And of course, we would then dismantle the Middle Eastern countries and restore them to France and U.K.

Rather, the issue is whether, in this day and age, we can have an oppressive regime stifle and strangle an indigenous people, who want to be liberated. There is little difference between the ex Soviet Republics fleeing from Russia and the desire of the Tibetan people to throw out their Chinese yoke.

We should not allow either the Chinese economic power or the totalitarian instincts in Beijing to silence the desperate pleas of a gentle, peaceful people, whose religion is founded on non-violence.

Jack Nathan

Jack Nathan, London, UK

Every thing is political. Since CPC hold it a task of politics, it certanlity a political ground.

Daniel Hsu, Shanghai, China

"China is committed to solving problems in Tibet peacefully."

Yes, obviously. I'd point out to the Ambassador, however, that the rebellion in 1959 wouldn't have occurred if the Chinese hadn't invaded Tibet in 1950. From 1913 to 1950, Tibet operated as an independent country. Judging by events during the British invasion of Tibet circa 1904, Chinese rule was apparently very nominal even before 1913. Beijing has no more a vaild claim to Tibet than the USSR had to the Baltic States or the Afrikaners to South Africa.

Brian Bricker, College Station, USA

What contemptible nonsense is this? This woman talks about the culture, history and beauty of Tibet, ignoring the brutal abuse of human rights in Tibet, and the decades of ethnic cleansing and cultural genocide viciously perpetrated and justified by her Communist bosses.

Its a wonder such rubbish by the Chinese Ambassador gets into print. It's NAZI style- tell a lie a thousand times and it becomes a truth. Tibet has never been a part of China, even if it had, the Chinese have lost all claim to it after their crimes against humanity.

You can enjoy your Olympic torch, Miss Ying. We hope it will focus worlwide protests against your country's abuses.

Dan Friend, LONDON, UK

The propaganda machine once again twists the truth...

First, yes, the Qing emperor (a Buddhist) coined the name Dalai Lama out of respect for the most venerated lama of the time. However, the Qing emporer never empowered the Dalai Lama, nor did he interfer with the choosing of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lamas-- unlike the current Chinese government. The Qing Dynasty NEVER governed Tibet. In fact, there are historical records of emperors of China sending envoys and diplomats to Tibet. This would suggest the past emperors of China viewed Tibet was viewed as an independent nation, non?

Second, the enthronement of the current 14th Dalai Lama was attended by an official from Beijing, but this does not mean he conferred power or rule to the Dalai Lama. His attendance was similar to those of foreign dignitaries attending coronations and inaugurations today!

The free-world is used to knowing the FULL TRUTH. It's time China stops thinking we'll accept their twisted versions of truth.

Ching-Ling Su, Vancouver, BC, CANADA

The Olympic Torch belongs to the people of the world, and not to the small group of trouble makers who wdo not want to see the Torch of Peace brightened up the world.

kimhuang, Singapre,

Right, China is trying to resolve things "peacefully." Through forced re-education campaigns reminiscent of Mao, imprisonment of those who express free speech, murder of peace demonstrators and a campaign against the "terrorist" Dali Lama. Where in free societies does anone think these repressive regimes have any place? Nowhere. Britian should turn its back on the torch, boycott the opening ceremonies and do the only thing that will make China listen: humiliate the regime into understanding that they cannot have our money for blood.

C Keating, London, UK

"China is committed to solving problems in Tibet peacefully."

Oh brother. Is that why the Chinese govt desecrates Tibetan pictures of the Dalai Lama and opens fire on crowds of monks and villagers when they protest the imprisonment of elderly monks that try to stand up to the desecration of their temples?

Get real. Nobody buys your rhetoric.

Ben, LA,

This is nothing but propaganda and a pack of lies..Tibet has never been a part of china.It was an independent country and was invaded and occupied by china..Do you think people of the world are stupid and blind and dont know this?

sabine garry, san francisco, CA