Opposes China’s President Xi Jinping In France: ‘Free Tibet’ Banners on Convoy Route; 2 Activists Arrested

Chinese President Xi Jinping is in France for a 2-day visit. During his stay in Paris, on Monday, there was a protest by Tibetans against him. Protesters demanding Tibetan independence showed the ‘Free Tibet’ flag to President Xi Jinping’s convoy. Additionally, Uyghur Muslim community also protested against Jinping, accusing him of human rights violations, during his visit to France.

Background on Tibet Issue

In fact, China forcefully occupied Tibet on May 23, 1951. Since then, Tibetans have been consistently protesting against it from various platforms. Jinping is meeting European leaders for the first time since 2019. During this meeting, Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) organization protested against China under banners and flags. Subsequently, police detained two activists.

French Leaders to Oppose Jinping

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urged French President Emmanuel Macron to raise issues of Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Hong Kong’s people’s freedom and rights with Jinping. Also, they demanded the release of those imprisoned for years for advocating for their rights, who have been held in Chinese jails.

Tibetans’ Message to Macron

Tibetans have urged Macron to tell Jinping about the abuses of Tibetan children in Chinese boarding schools. At the same time, many French politicians will oppose Jinping for supporting Russia in the Ukraine war.

60 Years of Diplomatic Relations between France and China

Jinping arrived to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between France and China. After this meeting, they will also meet Hungarian and Serbian leaders. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal welcomed Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan at Paris airport on Sunday (May 5).

Jinping’s Agenda Today

Today, Jinping will have a state banquet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Macron. During this, the issue of ending the Russia-Ukraine war will be discussed. However, Jinping has made it clear that China does not support any side in the conflict.