28 April 2006
Tibetan broadcasters ordered to wear fur
RFA reports that Chinese authorities in the Tibetan region of Amdo have ordered Tibetan broadcasters to add fur trim to their traditional clothing, in an apparent reaction to the anti-fur movement inspired by the Dalai Lama. Che Xizhen, head of the Qinghai provincial propaganda department, and Rinchen Gyal, head of the provincial Communist Party’s United Front Work Department, visited the Qinghai television station, where they announced that Tibetan-language broadcasters must wear fur-lined traditional Tibetan clothing that would be paid for by the department, a source close to the station said. "The two of them came to the television station and gave orders, saying, ‘You’ve got to add fur linings to your clothes. This is compulsory or else…’". Qinghai television station chief Bai Jubi confirmed the news to RFA’s Tibetan service but cited aesthetic reasons for the move. "Yes, it is true that television staff were given money to buy clothing", Bai said. "The main reason is the dress that our staff wears is old and isn’t bright and colourful,” “We wanted to improve Tibetan traditional dress with the latest designs, but the Tibetan section of the Qinghai television station lacks funds. Therefore the United Front Work Department helped with money and supported us”, he said.