Dr. Charles Tannock, Member of the European Parliament (2008)

I wish to extend my very best wishes to Chinese communities in my constituency of London and around the world on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. This year is the Year of the Rat, an animal which traditionally brings prosperity and provides protection.

This year will be a momentous year for China. The world's attention will focus on the Beijing Olympics, an event which will enable China to show off its modernity and success. However, we will not see the other China – the China in which religious minorities are persecuted, human rights are denied and dissent is brutally crushed.

NTDTV is an enterprising and independent television network that seeks to share China's greatness with the world. NTDTV does not shirk from criticism of the communist regime, despite Beijing's efforts to silence the station. NTDTV's success serves as a shining example of how China can engage with the wider world. I wish the NTDTV Chinese New Year Gala Spectacular a great success.

Enjoy the celebrations!

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Charles Tannock MEP
London Region
Deputy Coordinator Foreign Affairs Committee for EPP-ED Group
UK Conservative Foreign Affairs Spokesman

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