My direct contact with the people of China began with man first visit to Shanghai in 1972. Through my membership in the Society for Anglo-Chinese Friendship, I have been able to assist in a small way the development of friendship between our peoples.
In addition, both my family and I have developed lasting, deep and warm personal friendships with many individuals in China. I have been pleased and privileged to be part of these friendship links.
The past two years have been of particular significance in this process. In the Spring of 2002 together with my three sons I visited the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. Our visit to Tibet was highly memorable.
Unfortunately, the comments published in some western newspapers and journals in regard to Tibet have ignored the major economic and social changes that have occurred throughout the autonomous region.