3.2 The Chinese regard the Centre as a non-governmental (minjian) organisation and it is clearly understood that we are not a mouthpiece for the British Government. On the other hand our quasi official position lends authority to our exchange programme and ensures that what we say or do is noted. The Chinese, themselves, promote non-diplomatic relations through similar organisations and have no difficulty understanding the role of the Centre.
3.3 The British Council and the Foreign Office are both represented on the Centre's Executive Committee and through informal coordination, care is taken to ensure that there is no unnecessary overlap between our projects. The British Council operates in China as the Education and Cultural Section of the British Embassy and, as such, the organisation and its staff are restricted. No such constraints face Centre staff and we make it part of our brief to maintain links with a cross section of Chinese organisations and a range of opinion.
3.4 Although there is a political dimension to cultural relations with countries such as China, it is important that bridge building and contact continues even when diplomatic relations are strained. After the events in Tiananmen in June 1989 we and others argued that the ordinary person in China needed the support and contact with friends in the West more than ever before. The Centre responded swiftly to events, reassessing its current programme with China, cancelling high profile and sensitive projects, such as a roundtable on the role of the media, but continuing with its Work Placement Scheme and support for students. Within days we had set up the Great Britain-China Scholars Emergency Fund, a charitable trust, that provided emergency support for Chinese nationals in Britain, unable to return to China for fear of political persecution. Over a two year period the Fund raised £210,000 and provided living expenses to over 170 students and scholars. Moreover, the Centre became an important source of advice and help on a range of immigration and welfare issues for Chinese students and newly arrived asylum seekers. Given the climate of suspicion which prevailed at that time the Centre won respect from many for the way in which it was able to handle a range of problems with sympathy and understanding. Today, the Centre continues to offer help and advice to the growing number of mainland Chinese living, studying and working in Britain.
3.5 The Great Britain-China Centre, through its exchange programme, magazine and lectures, often takes a critical stance on developments in China. In September 1989 the Centre invited one of China's most outspoken critics, the journalist Liu Binyan, to address our members and we welcome the opportunity to use our magazine and lectures as a forum for a broad range of opinion on China. Developments in China are of international consequence and we do not accept that criticism is interference or unfriendly. Although the Chinese Embassy may not always share our view, we happily acknowledge the support of many friends in China.
3.6 There are three aspects to our work: our own exchange programme, an information and advice service and support for an active "China network".
Exchange Programme
4.1 Relations with China have developed rapidly in the 20 years since the Centre was established. In the early years we played an important role initiating contacts between professionals through the exchange of expert delegations. Many of those initial contacts have
4
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.