Hu Jun (second from left) and Tony Leung Chiu-wai (third from the right) were both photographed with members of the Tibetan government-in-exile. (Photo : Reuters)
A Chinese state-run news website has warned celebrities not to involve themselves with members of the Tibetan government-in-exile, stating that all Chinese residents should prioritize national interests before freedom of religious beliefs, as reported by the Global Times.
The article published on tibet.cn named singer and actress Faye Wong, mainland actor Hu Jun and Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai, all of whom attended religious activities in the northeastern part of India, with two major members of the Tibetan government-in-exile spotted in pictures with them.
On Thursday, Hu posted on his Sina Weibo account, saying that he and his family went to India during the Spring Festival holidays to take part in some prayer activities.
Hu claimed to be unaware that there were members of the Tibetan government-in-exile where he went.
"I did not know anyone from the separatist group . . . And as a Chinese national, I resolutely oppose any acts or speeches that will split our nation," said Hu in his post.
The article on tibet.cn maintained that even if these celebrities had no knowledge of the presence of members of the Dalai Lama's inner circle, they should behave themselves by not becoming involved with those who support the cause of Tibetan independence.
"It would be a pity for some celebrities to lose the reputations they have earned through years of hard work," read the article. "Some of them will become the victims of their own wrongful deeds if they think they can do whatever they want under the name of freedom."
"It is the Dalai Lama and his clique's old trick to use religious events to spread separatism. They may draw celebrities to their side in the name of religious belief to gain influence and seek support," said Wang Chunhuan, deputy director of the Theoretical Marxism Institute of the Tibet Autonomous Region Academy of Social Sciences.
Wang said that celebrities should be informed of the intentions of the Dalai Lama and his clique. He said that these celebrities should take on the responsibility of fighting separatism ahead of freedom of religious beliefs.
The article also mentioned that some Western celebrities have disappointed their Chinese fans when photos of them with the Dalai Lama surfaced online.
