Quote of the day: “It is outrageous that China is using the very symbol of international unity and brotherhood to further grind down the Tibetans and the Taiwanese who simply want to live their lives without interference from Beijing.”

- Representative Tom Lantos to Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte on the “genocide Olympics”

DALAI LAMA

Apple tossed at Dalai Lama during S.F. visit – “The San Francisco Police Department reported that it took a man into custody after he lobbed an apple at the Tibetan Buddhist leader during his appearance, at which he spoke on ‘creating positive change.’”

PIRACY

EU, Mexico seek to join WTO talks over product piracy in China – “Mexico also is requesting to join the dispute as a so-called ‘third party,’ the WTO said.” Good. Canada, Japan, EU, Mexico + United States makes a pretty good case.

EXPORTS

Chinese firm dodged inspection of pet food, U.S. says – “A Chinese company accused of selling contaminated wheat gluten to pet food suppliers in the United States failed to disclose to China’s export authorities that it was shipping food or feed to the United States, thereby avoiding having its goods inspected, according to U.S. regulators. Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology Development, one of two Chinese companies at the center of the massive pet food recall after thousands of animals were killed and sickened, had shipped more than 700 tons of wheat gluten labeled as “nonfood” products earlier this year through a third party, a Chinese textile company.”

TAIWAN

Taiwan restores ties with St Lucia, angers China – “Taiwan announced Tuesday that it had re-established relations with the Caribbean state of St Lucia in a diplomatic victory which immediately drew anger from rival China…’We can form a constructive partnership with St Lucia and we welcome China continuing to be St Lucia’s partner. We hope for a win-win situation for all and we do not mean to engage in zero-sum games with China,’ he said… Liu urged St Lucia to rethink the decision or ‘be responsible for the consequences incurred.’” Hu Jintao: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooo ANYTHING BUT ST. LUCIA! NOOOOOOOOOO!!! Good will to St. Lucia.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S. House members blast China – “U.S. Congress members rebuked China on a range of issues, criticizing Beijing’s test of an anti-satellite weapon, its military buildup, its policy of forced abortion, its support of ruthless regimes, and its repatriation of North Korean refugees in violation of international law.” It’s amazing when you think how many crimes the Chinese government has committed. I guess they didn’t have enough time for Taiwan issue, Tibet issue, Uighur issue, political jailings, piracy, unfair trade practices, spying, censorship, environmental policy…Doesn’t anybody see?

TIBET

Liechtenstein Parliament passes Tibet resolution – “During a three-day session that concluded on Friday, 27 April, the Liechtenstein Parliament adopted a resolution on Tibet, despite the Chinese government’s solemn representation…It further urges the ‘Government of People’s Republic of China and the Dalai Lama to resume and continue the dialogue despite their differences on certain substantive issues without preconditions and in a forward-looking manner that allows for pragmatic solutions which is in accord with wishes of the People’s Republic of China’s territorial integrity and takes into account the aspirations of Tibetan people.’”