The Olympic torch is undimmed

The Chinese ambassador says this international event is for everyone

The Olympic torch comes to London tomorrow. Though some will use it as an opportunity to protest, the Olympics are for all of us. The recent violent incidents in Tibet should not detract from this wonderful day. China is committed to solving problems in Tibet peacefully. I sincerely hope that Chinese nationals here will also enjoy the festivities and avoid getting involved in any confrontational activities.

The beauty of Tibet has brought me back there time and again. Its distinct cultural appeal and its unique history gives Tibet a special place in China. I remember seeing men and women prostrating themselves in front of the Jokhang Temple, old women spinning their prayer wheels and young monks earnestly debating their religious philosophy. Who would not feel deeply moved by their piety?

In the frenzied debate over Tibet, a few facts are forgotten. Tibet has been part of China since the 13th century. It is part of China's family of 56 ethnic groups - I myself am from an ethnic minority. The title of the Dalai Lama was conferred by the Qing emperor back in 1653. The enthronement of the current 14th Dalai Lama was approved by the central government and witnessed by an official sent from Beijing in 1940.

Although the traffic of exchanges between Tibet and other parts of China became thin during the turmoil of civil war and invasion, the status of Tibet as part of China had not changed. The years 1951-1959 saw a harmonious relationship between the Dalai Lama and the central government. Had it not been for the armed rebellion in 1959 and foreign interference, it might not have been such an issue as it is today.

Now Tibet is growing fast. Investment and assistance is pouring in. Its economy has grown at 13.4 per cent, higher than the national average, in the past 10 years. The average life span of a Tibetan was 35 years in 1959. It is 67 years now. The prosperity has also benefited religious sites. In the past five years, nearly £20 million was spent on repairing the Dalai Lama's official residence, Potala Palace, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, Norbulingka, and Sakya Monastery. Lhasa is now recovering from the pain of the rioting and will open on May 1 for tourism.

China is half way in its reform. It has taken at least 200 million people out of poverty and starvation in three decades, a basic foundation for real human rights. Fast growth has also created big environmental and social problems. We have met many setbacks in the past, but we have proven to be a nation capable of learning from experience and improving itself. The harmonious society is a goal that will inspire us to face the problems and work for a better future for all.

China is trying to embrace the world. Tomorrow, Beijing and London shall be one. The people of our two countries will share in the Olympic dream.

Fu Ying is the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the UK