Tibet group to ignore pro-China rally

Apr 26, 2008 5:33 PM

A pro-China rally being held in Auckland on Sunday will be ignored by the Friends of Tibet Movement.

Organisers of the pro-China rally say they expect nearly 2000 people to attend the rally at Aotea Square and have been told to wear red and bring Chinese and New Zealand flags.

Movement chairman Thuten Kesang says he has no problem with people showing their support for the Chinese government but believes Beijing is directly influencing the demonstrations.

Police say they are not expecting any trouble but are prepared if fights erupt.

A pro-China rally was held in Wellington on Saturday afternoon but police say there was no trouble between China supporters and pro-Tibetans.