The Hong Kong and Taipei trade offices have “been partnering with the festival for a number of years and I believe that they’re disappointed, but it’s just circumstances that are really beyond our control and beyond their control as well,” she said.
China has labeled the US-based Muslim minority leader a “criminal” and accuses her of inciting recent violence in the restive Xinjiang region, which left at least 197 dead.
Canberra has rebuffed Chinese objections to the visit by Kadeer, saying she is not a “terrorist” and there is no reason to exclude her.
Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said Kadeer had been given a visa for this week’s visit.
RSS