In Taiwan, Dalai Lama Denies Intrigue
The Dalai Lama risked riling China on Saturday as he discussed the touchy issue of Taiwanese independence and Tibet’s relations with Beijing at the start of a 10-day trip to this island.
Nibbling cookies and laughing during an hourlong news conference, the Tibetan spiritual leader said China’s suspicions about his second visit to Taiwan were unfounded. He did not come to plot with the Taiwanese about how to split up China, he said.
“I want someone from Beijing to come while I’m here and watch my movements here and investigate whether I’m involved in anti-Chinese activities,” the Nobel Peace Prize laureate said.
The Dalai Lama’s trip includes a series of lectures on Buddhism and spirituality. He also plans to meet with President Chen Shui-bian and the island’s former leader, Lee Teng-hui--men who have been vilified by China.
Tibet and Taiwan have put up the most resistance against China’s Communist leaders.
The Dalai Lama fled his Himalayan homeland after a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule. More than 120,000 refugees followed him to India, where he is based in the northern city of Dharmsala.
He stressed that he does not support Tibetan independence. Instead, he advocates a high degree of autonomy for the region.
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