Row between Beijing and Canberra over Dalai Lama’s visit
Australian Foreign Minister responds to China’s official protest over Buddhist leader’s visit by asking the Chinese to respect democracy at least in other countries.
Beijing (AsiaNews/ Agencies) – An official visit by the Dalai Lama in Australia has sparked a diplomatic row between Beijing and Canberra. The Buddhist leader spoke in favour of democracy in China and criticised the Chinese Communist government’s repression of Tibetan culture.
After a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman officially protested against the Tibetan leader in exile meeting Australian leaders, another Communist leader slammed Australia. Spokesman Qin Gang said that the Dalai Lama was not a simple religious figure but a long-time political exile who has been engaging in secessionist activities and is trying to destroy national unity. “We hope the Australian side will correct its attitude to the Dalai Lama in the interests of overall bilateral relations", he added.
During his visit the Tibetan leader invited the international community not to treat Beijing unfairly but still slammed the Communist invaders of his country for their destruction of Tibetan culture.
Following China’s protest Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer called on China to respect Australia’s democracy, adding that he had taken note of China’s comments, but said it should accept the differences between the two states.
The Dalai Lama remains controversial even in Tibet where the Beijing-installed regional government defended China’s role in the territory’s development and claimed that it would be impossible for the spiritual leader to go home, this despite calls to that effect by party veterans.
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