Trying in vain to block a scheduled speech in Canberra by the leader of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, Beijing is accused of undermining freedom of expression in Australia.
At the invitation of the National Press Club, Penpa Tsering, the president of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, will deliver a speech titled “Resolving Sino-Tibet conflict and securing peace in the region” on June 20.
Speeches made at National Press Club are broadcast on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and are usually attended by senior members of the federal parliamentary press gallery.
Last week, Chinese embassy officials expressed their displeasure in a meeting with Maurice Reilly, the chief executive of the National Press Club, and demanded to rescind its invitation to the Tibetan leader….