China awards rival prize before Nobel rewards dissident

09/12/10 15:13 CET

world news

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The day before the Nobel Peace Prize is due to be given to a jailed Chinese dissident, an alternative award ceremony has been held in Beijing.

China has described as an “obscenity” the Nobel award to pro-democracy and human rights campaigner Liu Xiaobo, serving an 11-year sentence for subversion.

The Chinese prize, set up in the name of the ancient philosopher Confucius, has been awarded to former Taiwanese vice-president Lien Chan.

Organisers say there is no connection to the Nobel prize. The chairman of the jury, made up of Chinese university professors, dismissed questions about Liu Xiaobo. He also repeated other jury members’ claims that the body is not linked to the Beijing government.

Lien Chan has been awarded the prize for his efforts to improve relations between China and Taiwan, beginning with a visit five years ago.

His office said he was unaware of the award. Hence his absence at the cememony. Instead the prize was awarded to an unidentified young girl.

Chinese media have not reported on the Nobel prize. Liu remains in jail and his wife under house arrest.

Reports say access to international news websites has been blocked in China.

More about: China, Nobel Prize, Taiwan

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