By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, July 10: The foremost Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Saturday told reporter that he is always open to dialogue with China, if there is willingness from Beijing to negotiate regarding the Sino-Tibet issue.
“China is changing and has now realised that the Tibetan people are very strong and in order to deal with the Tibetan problem, they want to have contact with me and I am also ready,” the octogenarian leader told media personnels at the Kangra airport before departing for his month-long visit to Leh, Ladakh via New Delhi.
“I am always open to talk to China. We have many years ago decided that we are not seeking independence and would remain a part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC),” the Dalai Lama further added.
On the occasion of his 88th birthday celebration at the courtyard of the Tsuglakhang Temple, the exiled religious leader reiterated his commitment to dedicating himself to the cause of Tibet. He stated that he harbours no anger towards the Chinese leaders who have implemented oppressive policies towards Tibet.
The Dalai Lama for several decades has advocated for what he called “meaningful autonomy” for Tibet through Middle Way Approach, seeking a negotiated resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict. However, his approach has been labeled as “separatist” or “anti-China” by the Chinese government.
The dialogue between the representatives of the Dalai Lama and their Chinese counterparts have stalled since 2010 after nine formal rounds of talk. Penpa Tsering, the President of the Tibetan government in exile, known officially as the Central Tibetan Administration revealed that there is an active backchannel dialogue happening between the Tibetan and Chinese counterparts, during his exclusive interview with BBC Hard Talk on May 5, 2023.
When asked what purpose the backchannel serves, President Tsering said, “If the Sino-Tibetan conflict needs to be resolved peacefully then there is no way other than talking with the Chinese leadership”, however adding that the two sides are not at the negotiation stage yet and that building contact is the priority at the moment.
