Mr Ching reproduces claims put forth by Mr William Engdahl in an article, 'Why Washington plays 'Tibet roulette' with China' (April 5) that names Trace Foundation as part of a Western conspiracy behind the recent unrest in Tibetan areas of China. Trace Foundation is a completely non-political organisation that has worked for 15 years in China for the development of Tibetan minority regions, in fruitful collaboration with Chinese government entities.

Trace Foundation has taken steps to confront Mr Engdahl over his allegations. We would have expected Mr Ching to verify such serious accusations and to contact Trace Foundation. We were never contacted. Mr Ching does not provide any concrete evidence that would indicate any involvement in the recent Tibetan unrest on the part of Trace Foundation.

We have taken steps to confront these claims by issuing a public statement of rebuttal, to be found on our website at www.trace.org/pressroom.html.

Paola Vanzo (Ms)
Director of Communications
Trace Foundation