By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, Sept. 11: Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Sunday said that he wishes to visit Taiwan in 2021 if the Beijing government allows the visit. The Tibetan leader said as he has already received an invitation from an organization in Taiwan.
At the three-day virtual lecture to a group of his Asian followers, the Tibetan leader said he is likely to make a visit to Taiwan following his Singapore trip scheduled next year. During the virtual session, Dalai Lama told his followers that he cannot travel abroad at present due to the pandemic but hoped it would be possible next year. He further remarked that he might visit Singapore for a two-day visit in 2021 and said that he might also visit Taiwan “if Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, allows [him] to visit.”
The 85-year old had also expressed a similar wish earlier this year on the eve of his birthday, “As the political scenario changes, I may be able to visit Taiwan. I hope for that, but it is difficult to say this at this point in time.”
After the Nobel laureate made the comment, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokeswoman Joanne Ou on Wednesday said that the island has many Buddhist followers who expects the Dalai Lama to visit the country again for a religious teaching whenever the travel restriction eases. “We will carefully discuss it if both parties consider it convenient and feasible,” Ou said.
The Dalai Lama first visited the island in 1997, and subsequently returned in 2001 and 2009. Since then, the octogenarian leader has not made any visits to Taiwan due to the increasing pressure from China, especially since President Xi Jinping rose to power. In July, the Parliament Group for Tibet led by the independent legislator Freddy Lim urged the Taiwanese government to maintain an open attitude towards the Dalai Lama visiting the country.
5 Responses
I have seen the video of the Dalai Lama and the sense of his phrase is not absolutely to ask permission to Beijing. He said “I ve got an invitation from friends in Taiwan and it will be my pleasure after Singapore to go there …” then smiling he looks around and added “ if the people Republic of China allows me…” but it is clear that he means if they don’t prevent with threats menaces etc “ it sound also ironically. I think Phayul must be more careful how to communicate some sensitive phrases
Buddhism teaches impermanence and interdependence. Perhaps the Dalai Lama understands that much better than the lay people.
So you always see the glass half empty and think thats to do with impermanence and interdependence. I’m telling you this time even if you ask for half empty the planetary alignment want to favour a free Tibet.What are you going to do about that? Fight the stars?
Sure. Whatever happens, happens. As a matter of fact, some people have been fighting stars. To achieve what means, only they know. The times are certainly changing.
I think Dalai Lama is not living under the Chinese oppressive power and why he needs Chinese permission to visit Taiwan. This sounds very strange echo to the world and especially to the Tibetans. I would like to have some feed back from Tibetan and supporters of Tibet.