Loan for Relocation of Groups to Tibet

* Re “China Loan a Threat to Tibet,” editorial, June 28:

This World Bank project is one of many of China’s poverty-alleviation programs throughout the country, where there are still some 40 million people living below the poverty line. The relocation of the population is totally on a voluntary basis. This project will provide significant health, education, employment and farming benefits to people in remote and inaccessible villages who now have incomes between about $25 and $60 a year.

The western part of China you mentioned is actually called the Qinghai and Tibetan Plateau, an area inhabited by Hans and several other ethnic groups, including the Uighurs, the Mongols and the Tibetans, who have lived harmoniously together in this land of theirs for several centuries.

The Western media always criticize China for its “violation” of human rights, but it is really hard for me to understand why they still hold critical views toward China even when China does something good for its peoples! I am also very much confused by the fact that the U.S. government and the media seldom touch upon the problems concerning your own ethnic groups, like the native Indians who once were the masters of America. Who could tell me where all the Indians’ cultures have gone?

XUE BING, Press Consul

Consulate General

People’s Republic of China

Los Angeles