Breaking news: China to Meet With Representative Of Dalai Lama
Chinese officials will meet representatives of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism whom China blames for a wave of unrest, Xinhua news agency reported on Friday, citing official sources.
The move marks a change in tactics on the part of Beijing, which has stepped up its vilification of the Dalai Lama since anti-government protests hit Tibet and rippled across ethnic Tibetan parts of China in the past weeks.
“In view of the requests repeatedly made by the Dalai side for resuming talks, the relevant department of the central government will have contact and consultation with Dalai’s private representative in the coming days,” Xinhua quoted an official as saying.
BBC: Beijing ‘to talk to Dalai aides’
AFP: Dalai Lama welcomes Chinese offer for talks: spokesman
The question of course is why and why now? Is it part of a PR campaign or really a politically motivated move?
However, the protests seem to work and even the Chinese government recognizes the necessity to address the issue. It remains to be seen whether the proposed talks bring any real improvement of the situation, but for the time being it should be seen as a step forward!
Filed under: politics | Tagged: Beijing, China, dalei lama, diplomacy, olympic games, olympics, Tibet
