Published by: World Tibet Network News ISSUE ID: 97/10/29

WASHINGTON, 10/29 (AP) A pro-democracy message rang out for China today. But it was at Lafayette Park instead of Tiananmen Square and entertainers starred instead of students.

"This is not a cuddly new China," actor Richard Gere told a rally across from the White House during a day of protest and vigil held as a counterpoint to Chinese President Jiang Zemin's state visit.

The famous and the unsung joined in a contrary chorus in the park and on the streets to urge freedom for the Chinese people and others under Beijing's control. Some marched in support of Taiwan. Others came out for Tibet.

Four men donned cardboard sheets on which chains were drawn and holes cut out for their heads and arms, each representing a persecuted Chinese dissident.

People who otherwise support President Clinton politically and financially took the stage to condemn what they regard as a weak U.S. policy on Chinese human lights.

"We should not exchange champagne toasts with a country that brutalizes its people," said Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.

Also from the stage came this message, from Adam Yaunch, a member of the Beastie Boys band: "How dare President Clinton go into a negotiation about selling nuclear weapons to China without human rights being in the forefront."

Gere, a longtime supporter of Tibetan autonomy, brought greetings from the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. Pointing to signs of the Dalai Lama held up in the crowd, Gere said, "You could be arrested for that in Tibet."

Organizers of the lunch rally had a Park Service permit for 2,000 people and appeared to draw somewhat less.

Jiang's visit brought together a diverse collection of groups with nothing else in common except their opposition to U.S. policy on China and their advocacy of more religious and political freedom.

Jiang was out of sight of an early morning gathering at Lafayette Park when he stepped into his limousine for the short motorcade ride from the Blair House guest headquarters to the presidential mansion.

About 100 demonstrators shouted and passed out brochures calling for a free Tibet, the first small wave in the series of demonstrations marking the first state visit by a Chinese leader in 12 years.

"If we want to transform China into a progressive country, we must change the bad politics first," said Fang Nengda, a former teacher in China who was placed under house arrest for his political beliefs. "If China does not change the broad system of politics, education cannot make a difference."

Hundreds supporting Taiwan marched from Washington's grassy Mall to streets around the White House.

"We want Taiwan to be for the Taiwanese," said Su Chang, who came to Washington on an overnight bus from Atlanta with about 50 demonstrators.

They melded into a crowd of "Free China" protesters and their voices joined together at a street corner near the White House.

The four men wearing cardboard were invoking an ancient Chinese punishment in which prisoners were made to don sheets of metal.

"I'm 50 years old and I cannot see that democracy will be filled in China," said Zhilang Ching, who fled China recently and is here under asylum.