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Should heads of state shun meeting the Dalai Lama to appease China?

Topics: Politics China Tibet Religion Dalai Lama

Background

Many heads of state have conformed to China's wishes and shunned meeting with the Tibetan leader, in order to maintain favorable trade relations with China.

Expert Opinions

What's Your TakeOnIt?

Disagree

Quote

United States President 2001-2008

I told the Chinese President, President Hu that I was going to go to the ceremony [to award the Dalai Lama with a Congressional Gold Medal - the top US civilian honor]. ...I said I'm going because I want to honor this man. I have consistently told the Chinese that religious freedom is in their nation's interest. I've also told them that I think it's in their interest to meet with the Dalai Lama, and will say so at the ceremony today in Congress...

17 Oct 2007 Source

Disagree

The Economist

Politics and Business Magazine

This week Gordon Brown refused to invite the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, to Downing Street but met him at the home of the leader of the Anglican church. That was a fudge to appease China, and is a genuine disgrace.

22 May 2008 Source

Neutral

Quote

The Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso

Leader of Tibet

If [the Australian government] find [meeting me] too much of an inconvenience, no problem. I don't want to create inconvenience with anybody. China is a very, very important country, and trade with China is certainly very important, so there's no question that is why the prime minister finds it a little difficult - that's understandable.

08 Jun 2007 Source