by Tom Myers

Amidst the recent arrests by Chinese officials, and the years of frustration, Tibetan protestors and supporters alike, voiced their overwhelming discontent while Chines Prime Minister Zhu Rongji conducted meetings inside the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. The protest took place outside the Waldorf-Astoria and the Hilton hotals on April 13, 1999 alongside the bustling streets of downtown Manhattan. Many felt that Prime Minister Zhu Rongji would be uncomfortable with the demonstration and realize the suffering he is causing.

The protestors were aware that an immediate change in Chinese policy was impossible, but their presence would be enough to stir up emotion and much needed attention to the cause. Dawa Tsering, of The Office of Tibet, said, "The protestors outside the Waldorf-Astoria were not only doing it for themselves and family members, but also for the 6 million Tibetans who are suffering because of the Chinese government."

Groups of protestors calling for the independence of Tibet followed Zhu across New York City as he met with business leaders, politicians, and members of the Chinese - American community. Protestors numbered about 200 outside the Hilton Hotel, where Zhu attended a dinner with the United States - China Business Council.

The demonstrations mirrored the generally muted response of the Chinese-American community to Zhu's visit. Many Chinese-language newspapers, particulary those with pro-China stances, have followed Zhu's travels in the United States closely. "His visit has been aimed more at business and not so much on the overseas Chinese," said Frank Lu, Director of the

Information Center of Human Rights and Democratic Movement in China. "But even though its been pretty low key in the community, of course there are segments of the community that are very pleased that he is here." the protestors who shadoed Zhu included people calling for freedom in Tibet, the release of Mongolian and Tibetan political prisoners, and recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty. "The Chines have been threatening to use force against Taiwan for years and we don not want China interfering in our sovereignty," said Bor-Cheng Shu, a member of the TaiwaneseCollegian. Dawa Tsering, of

The office of Tibet, said the protests were important because, "Atleast it shows the world that the people in New York City and the United States are watching and caring about what's going on inside China." dr. Ngwang Rabgyal, of The office of Tibet, said, "The chanting and waving of Tibetan flags outside the Waldorf anf the Hilton was one of the few ways Tibetans could send a message to China.