Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004
30 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether Tibet is an integral part of China; if the pursuit of a one-China policy has been discussed by the EU in the context of Ireland’s Presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9982/04]
View answerThe European security strategy was adopted by the European Council on 12 December 2003. It includes a recommendation that a strategic partnership be developed between the EU and China. In view of our respective international roles and increasing political and economic weight, it is important that the Union and China work together to promote global stability, peace and sustainable development. We must also engage with China on issues such as human rights, on which we have had traditionally differing views.
In 1971 Ireland voted in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. Since then we have recognised the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate Government of China. Ireland, together with our EU partners, adheres to the one-China policy and recognises Tibet as an integral part of China.
Discussions on EU relations with China, and the situation in Tibet, have been ongoing at every level in the first three months of our Presidency. Most recently I held useful discussions on these issues with Mr. Zhang Yesui, Vice-Foreign Minister of China, on the occasion of his visit to Dublin on 12 March 2004.
The Union's long-standing one-China policy was discussed among EU Foreign Ministers in October 2003. The General Affairs and External Relations Council welcomed and generally endorsed the Commission policy paper entitled A Maturing Partnership — Shared Interests and Challenges in EU-China Relations. It clearly and expressly reaffirmed that the EU continues its one-China policy. The continuing commitment of the EU to the policy was also reiterated at the most recent EU-China Summit that took place in Beijing last October.
In the course of the GAERC discussions last October, the Council welcomed recent efforts by the Chinese Government to put stronger emphasis on sustainability and social issues.At the same time, while acknowledging improvements in relation to the establishment of the rule of law and the development of the legal system, the Council noted that we remained concerned about the significant gap that continues to exist between the human rights problem in China and internationally accepted standards.
Ireland, together with our EU partners, encourages the continuation of the dialogue between the Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama. I welcome the statement issued on 10 March 2004 by the Dalai Lama. He expressed the hope that this year may see a significant breakthrough in relations with the Chinese Government. He has instructed his envoys to continue the process of dialogue with Beijing at an early date. Similarly, it is encouraging that the Chinese delegation at the most recent session of the EU-China human rights dialogue, held in Dublin on 26 to 27 February 2004, indicated a willingness, in principle, to continue to meet representatives of the Dalai Lama.
During the recent discussions with Vice-Minister Zhang, we emphasised the importance of dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama on the Tibet issue. We also noted our strong desire for progress and positive developments on this matter given that both sides are now expressing themselves ready to talk.
