(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-23 14:59

NEW YORK  -- The historical treaties signed between China and foreign countries give eloquent proof of China's sovereignty over Tibet, a political science expert with the New York University said on Tuesday.

"China exercised sovereign rights over Tibet since the 13th century," Dr. James Hsiung told a seminar hosted by the Council of Chinese-American Associations.

Britain and China signed the Cheffoo Agreement on September 13, 1876, under which Britain had to obtain permission from China to send an exploration mission to Tibet, said Dr. Hsiung.

"The mere fact that a foreign state, in this case, Great Britain, signed with China treaties concerning Tibet, instead of directly with the region itself, indicates that China's sovereign rights over the territory were internationally recognized," he added.

In the Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907, Britain and Russia pledged not to engage in direct negotiations with Tibet without China's approval, Dr. Hsiung cited another example.

The Regulations Respecting Trade in Tibet, which China and Britain signed on April 20, 1908, also expressively recognized China's authority over Tibet, he added.

"Hence, from the standpoint of customary international law and treaty law, China's claim over Tibet is absolutely unassailable," Dr. Hsiung concluded.