Published by: World Tibet Network News Monday, November 24, 1997

Submitted by: Michael Croteau, CTC-Victoria Chapter

November 23, 1997: Chinese President Jiang Zemin was found at Vancouver Art Gallery by Tibetans, CTC Members and Students for a Free Tibet (University of Victoria and Camosun College groups) who were returning from the APEC Protest March at about 2:30pm (PST) today. As wereturned from the march we gathered at the Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, to relax andhave lunch. Several CTC Members were approached by unknown persons who claimed that the Art Gallerywas about to host a special ribbon cutting ceremony which the Chinese President was to perform. WhenCTC Victoria Vice-President Judy Tethong questioned security staff they said only "Thegallery is closed to the public until after 3:30pm."

The presence of a large black limosine across the street from the main entrancecombined with the appearence of many security staff alerted CTC Members that something was aboutto happen so we decided to stand by the main entrance and watch the proceedings.

At approximately 2:30pm a motorcade drove past very slowly and passed the ArtGallery taking its occupants to a nearby hotel. At this point we noticed the police presence wasquietly being stepped up - more officers were arriving.

Around 2:45 another motorcade rounded the corner and came to a full stop rightin front of the Tibetans, CTC and other protest groups. As we screamed out cries of "Free Tibet"Canada's Minister of Foriegn Affairs, Lloyd Axworthy, got out of the limosine and quickly walkedinto the gallery. He did not acknowledge our presence in any obvious manner.

Within momements of Mr. Axworthy's entrance more police arrived en masse. Mountain bike police officers, motorcycle officers and officers in dark, mysterious black clothingarrived on the scene to push back the crowd. It was obvious someone really important was coming as Icould see the police were constantly looking over our crowd with well trained eyes. Our CTC Victoria members ensured the police that we were here as a part of a peaceful non-violentdemonstration. One member even commented to the police that they should turn and watch the men who werebehind them - "they are the real criminals!"

Another large motorcade came around the corner and our crowd of more than 100people began chanting more "Free Tibet" cheers as the limosine stopped in front of the Art Gallerywalkway. As we all watched the President of China, Jiang Zemin, stepped out and briskly walked upthe sidewalk. His eyes never once glanced towards the Tibetans and their supporters. Our crowdscreamed out it's loudest ever - in fact we lost all sense of organzation and our emotions ruledas we screamed as loud as we could.

Once the Chinese president was inside the building the police relaxed and beganto speak casually with the protesters. A member of the television media approached my group andasked who was our spokesperson. We all quickly brought Tenzin Lalhunpa, Vice-President ofCTC-Vancouver, to the front to address the questions of the reporter and his cameraman. Tenzin was veryconcise and direct in his answers. Having finished his interview the reporter turned towards the womanbeside Tenzin and asked her why she was here and what her stake was in this matter. That woman wasCTC-Victoria's Vice-President, Judy Tethong - wife of T.C. Tethong, Minister of International Relations for the Tibetan Government in Exile. Judy made a very emotional statement to thereporter, she told him about her family and her years of devotion of fighting for the people of Tibet.

At 3:15 Jiang Zemin exited the building under a swarm of protective securityforces. But I know our chants were heard as he walked to his limosine. His limosine quickly drove awayas we all continued our chanting.

As the crowd began to disperse a few officers of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Vancouver City Police came into the crowd to shake our hands and thank us for keeping ourprotest peaceful.

Many of the people present were saying this momement was the highlight of the APEC Protest March.