My friends at SFT are an “Olympic Threat” according to the Chinese Government.
My friend Singhe who is studying in Hong Kong sent me a very interesting article written by the Washington Post. It is entitled “China Sees Activists As Olympic Threat” I was in a cyber cafe in Lhasa reading the article and had to hide a big smile, just in case one of the Chinese internet monitors glanced over. Some of the information in the article made me quite scared about what the Chinese government might do to some of my SFT friends overseas.
The effort is among the broadest intelligence-collection drives Beijing has taken against foreign activist groups, often known as non-governmental organizations, or NGOs. It aims to head off protests and other political acts during an Olympics the communist leadership hopes will boost its popularity at home and China’s image abroad.
But in the article it proved how effective a smart and strategic action could not just unsettle the Chinese government, but could outright scare them. It just goes to show how a small dedicated group of people can effect real change in the world.
Those worries grew in recent months as a multiplying number of foreign groups mounted public campaigns to tie causes as varied as promoting labor rights and protecting sharks to the Beijing games.
After four Americans unfurled a banner calling for Tibetan independence on the Chinese-controlled side of Mount Everest in April, China tightened access to Tibet for foreigners, especially Americans, Western diplomats in Beijing said.
Before the Mt. Everest Action in April, I remember looking around and seeing the faces of Tibetans in Lhasa and wanting to cry. But afterwards, after the excitement started to quiet down, I saw something different in their faces, especially their eyes. There was a renewed sense of hope and semshug (courage). The kora or circumabulation that the elder Tibetans would do, were now more energetic, and their mantras were more filled with hope. China’s face is changing, just like Tibet’s. But this time, there is more of a furrow in their brow and a glint of fear in their eyes. They can feel the power and determination of the Tibetan people and their supporters, and they are scared.
I have to leave this computer station now, I think the internet monitor saw me smile too much and is now getting suspicious. I will keep all of you updated soon, and I am really excited to see all the activity and exciting events for August 8th by Tibetans and their supporters all over the world.
Smiling, Thinking and Hoping.
Yingsel the Rangzen Antelope.
