§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make an assessment of the impact of his policy of constructive engagement with China in so far as it relates to the condition of the Tibetan people; and if he will make a statement. [147868]
§ Mr. BattleThe human rights situation in Tibet remains a matter of deep concern. It is a focus of our critical engagement with the Chinese authorities, at ministerial level and through the regular UK/China human rights dialogues.
We press the Chinese authorities to enter into a dialogue with the Dalai Lama on a long term future in Tibet; to remove restrictions on the freedom of religion, expression and association; and to cease the harsh treatment of dissidents and the erosion of Tibetan culture and traditional practices. We also raise a number of individual cases of concern including Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Dalai Lama's choice as the 11th Panchen Lama.
During the last round of the dialogue, the Chinese side briefed us on resumed contacts with the Dalai Lama. We have welcomed the re-establishment of contacts with the Chinese authorities and urged both sides to take these further forward. The Chinese side also provided new information on Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and agreed to extend an invitation to the All Party Group on Tibet to visit Tibet.
Progress on these issues remains slow. However, critical engagement allows us to press for change at the highest levels. We will continue to do so, most immediately at the forthcoming sixth round of the UK/China human rights dialogue to be held in Beijing between 12–14 February.