Published by: World Tibet Network News Thursday, November 28, 1997

November 27, 1997

In a day of pomp and protest, hundreds of demonstrators jeered Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who lunched with the governor general, dined with the premier and received the coveted white cowboy hat.

"This is a golden time for China and Alberta to build on their work and achievements together," Premier Ralph Klein told Jiang in a pre-dinner speech and toast at the chandelier-lit banquet room of the downtown McDougall Centre last night.

But yesterday's reception for Jiang -- who is making his first trip to Canada since assuming power in 1993 -- was now always glittering. Two protesters and a striking postal worker were taken into custody by police after clashing with officers outside the Palliser Hotel.

Jiang, his wife Wang Yeping and 80-member entourage dined on pheasant with Governor General Romeo LeBlanc and he was later white hatted and made an honorary Calgarian by Mayor Al Duerr.

Jiang told 100 business and political leaders he wants to improve relations between the two countries in the new millennium.

Outside, about 75 protesters shouted at Jiang as he entered the hotel, criticizing his country's crackdown on human rights and their forced occupation of Tibet.

Demonstrator Stuart Hughes, 31, was arrested after unplugging concrete sawing equipment because he said the sound and dust were interfering with the protest.

Paul Armstrong, 49, and postal worker Joan Thompson, 31, were charged with obstructing police for allegedly trying to stop the arrest of Hughes.

"It's hilarious," Hughes said later. "While (Jiang) was stuffing himself with beef I was sitting in a cell, as a taxpayer, for no reason."

After the Palliser, Jiang was off to Banff. Tourists and locals gaped as his motorcade drove through Tunnel Mountain, went sightseeing on Sulphur Mountain and stopped for tea and photos at the Banff Springs Hotel. When he was asked to comment on the human rights demonstrations in Calgary, Jiang answered:

"Thank you, we're tourists." Jiang's dinner with Klein began at 7:20 p.m., with both being shouted at by 200-plus placard-waving protesters when the premier went down the red carpet to greet Jiang's car in front of the McDougall Centre.

"Shame on Ralph! Shame on Ralph!" they chanted while a cordon of cops kept them 30 metres away.

"Human rights before business!" said another. "Free Tibet!" shouted a third. The premier and Jiang ignored them, shaking hands and chatted amiably as they walked into the centre.

The protesters were vocal but behaved. No arrests were reported at the night protest.

Nima Dorjee, president of the Canada Tibet committee, said the protesters had a duty to make their presence felt. "If our government discussed human rights at these meetings, there would be no need to protest," he said.

Inside the banquet room, the two leaders toasted one another. "Despite the cold winter climate, we feel at home," Jiang said through an interpreter to the dozens of guests.

"All these exchanges have vigorously enhanced co-operation and progress between Alberta and China."

Ralph replied that Alberta -- which exported $630 million to China last year -- hopes to continue the relationship. "We follow your progress and evolution on all fronts with great interest." he said.

Klein has done his best to foster Alberta's relationship with the Communist country -- going as far as to tell Canadians during a visit to China in October they shouldn't dwell on the country's violent suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations eight years ago. "If you want to keep living and reliving those events, then I guess nothing will be accomplished," Klein said, referring to the Chinese government's June 1989 order to shoot supporters of student-led demonstrations in Tiananmen Square.

Jiang stopped in Calgary after attending the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting in Vancouver.