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TIBETAN DELEGATION
Friday July 23, 2004



A delegation led by the Governor of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China visited Toronto from July 20 to July 24, 2004. Members of this Delegation included the Vice Chairman of Tibet People's Political Consultative Council, the Vice Secretary General of the Government of Tibet Autonomous Region, the Deputy Director General of the Information Office of the State Council, the Director of Ethnic & Religious Affairs of the Tibet Social Science Academy, a Tibetan language professor from the Central University for Nationalities in Beijing, and an interpreter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On Friday July 23, 2004, the Canadian China Society of Toronto organized a special function to welcome the Delegation and an exhibition of photographic displays of Tibet. About one hundred people attended the function in a meeting room overlooking Lake Ontario and Centre Island. The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, Mme Chen Xiaoling, and a few members of her staff also were in attendance.

At the forum, moderated by Professor Luke Chan of McMaster University, members of the Tibet Delegation described aspects of the religious, cultural, educational and economic development of China’s Tibet Autonomous Region over the past 50 years. It was followed by questions from the audience, covering a wide range of topics. The presentation of, and response by, our Tibet visitors provided useful first-hand information about the history of Tibet, developments over the past 50 years and the aspirations of Tibetan people, within the multi-ethnic family of the Chinese nation. As the Leader of the Delegation said, “...geographical location and the sheer distance, no doubt, have contributed to the "mysterious" perception of Tibet.” The forum was useful in providing some insights on the current status of Tibet. The Leader concluded by extending an open invitation to anyone who is curious to visit Tibet to see for themselves.

The forum ended in the early afternoon and was followed by a buffet lunch at which the audience had a chance to mingle with Delegation members - while enjoying Tibetan music and fine fusion food. Many sought autographs from the delegates, especially blessings from a Delegation member who is also a Living Buddha. The audience included members from several universities, different levels of government, both television and print media from Canada and China, CCS members and friends.

Jao Yung-Wo





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