But it's Really Closed
A meeting with the Dalai Lama's envoys lead Chinese officials to say that the door for talks was open, but that there would be no concessions made on the issue of national sovereignty. Du Qinglin, head of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that Greater Tibet violated China's constitution and only if the Dalai Lama gave up those claims would there be a solid foundation for talks. Du said that China has been consistent in its policy on Tibet and that if the Dalai Lama wanted to make progress he should conform to the times and that his words should reflect his actions. Du says that it is the CPC who can "represent the fundamental interests of all Tibetan people, and can ensure them a happy life" They also reiterated during talks that the Tibetan Government-in-Exile is completely illegal. "We hope the Dalai Lama can envisage reality, and get back on the track of patriotism," said a statement by CPC officials "Only by doing so, can the Dalai Lama have a future." This is a tough stance taken by the Chinese government and shows that they have no intention of backing down.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-02/01/content_9410106.htm
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At the earth festival last year I bought a prayer book from the Dalai Lama's monks that had traveled with him to Santa Barbara from Tibet. Unfortunately I was unable to see him at UCSB. Dam.
ReplyDeleteIt seems that China wants to appear that they are open for discussion, and gain some support from foreign countries on this topic, while maintaining the same policy that they have had for quite some time now. Both China and Tibet are very nationalistic, so I do not think that this issue will be resolved any time in the near future.
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