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In the English-speaking world, Britain arguably ranks disappointingly low in the public appreciation of its Chinese citizens when viewed in relation to their contribution to the country. Of all the major ethnic groups in the United Kingdom, Chinese Britons have the highest level of self-sufficiency, lowest crime rate and best educational attainment, yet they remain handicapped by grossly unfair treatment and unjustified 'credibility gap' none more acutely evident than in politics.
This is often sadly reflected in my conversations with Chinese and non-Chinese alike when the more profound aspects of welcoming the socio-political integration of Chinese Britons are discussed.
A recent function in the House of Commons hosted by Andrew Dismore MP for Hendon was held to celebrate the first anniversary of the BC Project, a most commendable undertaking by its founder Christine Lee to establish a political voice for the Chinese communities in the United Kingdom. Progress has been slow despite the sterling efforts of the BC Project Team.
When asked to speak about how the Chinese people can play their part in the political life of their community, all the speakers encouraged involvement by describing politics in simple terms to the lay audience – politics is about doing things in the interest of and for the community. In my case, caring as a doctor across all sections of society means that health and social needs has become the natural arena of my political interest. However, the difficulty for Chinese Britons who have aspirations in political advancement is progression through the ranks.
As we head towards the next General Election, the growing desire for political representation should awaken the Chinese in Britain to work together in raising their profile as equal members of the British society, entitled to the privileges of citizenship and a participation in its nationhood. Chinese communities have been in Britain since the 19th century, so it is understandable that their desire for political engagement is becoming prominent.
Of course, Chinese Britons are not entirely without supporters and well-wishers. This vibrant website operated by Sarah Yeh is a fine example while new entrants seeking Chinese readership such as UK Chinese Times and EU Chinese Journal have joined established newspapers Sing Tao in discussing the political future of the Chinese communities. Chinese Channel Television and Spectrum Radio are also active in stimulating political discussion amongst the Chinese.
Chinese Britons are also benefiting indirectly but no less significantly through the various diplomatic missions of the Chinese Embassy such as cultural exchanges, trade missions and attendance as guests and observers at party political conferences. The Confucius Institute, a worldwide establishment which also has branches in Britain, is a major player in the promotion of understanding of Chinese culture in general, and the Confucian philosophy in particular as it underpins the ethical conduct of the Chinese people. It is actively working in collaboration with British partners such as Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, as well as independently.
Endorsements by business luminaries such as Sir Terry Leahy, Chief Executive of Tesco, whose message last October in Liverpool urging schools to provide students with the opportunity to gain a basic understanding of Mandarin and Chinese culture to help UK business compete in the global economy will ultimately resonate with British politicians and add to the profile of Chinese Britons. Sir Terry’s prediction – that the growth of the Chinese economy and the emerging links between the United Kingdom and China would lead businesses to increasingly demand employees with these skills – is particularly poignant in the international and bilateral contexts given the total absence of ethnic Chinese MPs in Westminster.
Further afield, the nomination by President-Elect Barack Obama of Steven Chu, co-winner of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize in Physics and Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, to be the Secretary of Energy for the United States of America is a tremendous fillip for the Chinese in Britain.
There are already a number of Chinese councillors and last year, Anna Lo was elected a MLA to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Although there is still much work to be done to overcome the political apathy amongst Chinese voters in Britain, it is leaders of the main political parties who have the most powerful opportunity to fulfil their promises of diversity and inclusiveness with the appointment of worthy candidates from amongst the Chinese community to winnable and safe seats. We must vigorously lobby them.
As Cllr Thomas Chan of Redbridge says, even if the political attractiveness and intellectual flair of meritorious Chinese candidates are ignored, by proportional representation alone there should be a total of five MPs of Chinese origin in the next Parliament. There has never been one and we still have none.
So, no more excuses please!
Dr Teck Khong |
