Dharamsala (AsiaNews/Agencies) Formal talks between Beijing and the Tibetan government-in-exile could reach a successful conclusion within the Dalai Lama's lifetime, said Samdhong Rinpoche, Tibet's exiled Prime Minister in Dharamsala, an Indian city that harbours many Tibetan exiles.
So far there have been several rounds of discussions but they were just talks about talks; yet, there is hope that full negotiations could start soon, he said.
"It is only now the Chinese leadership is realising the Dalai Lama is not the problem but the key to the resolution of our problems," Samdhong Rinpoche added.
However, for Beijing the Buddhist leader, head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, is just a rebel.
The Chinese government has repeatedly said that calls for Tibetan autonomy are "unacceptable".
Things might be changing though; many analysts believe that there is a danger his death in exile could create a rallying point for Tibetans and create a larger-than-life icon for the international community.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said: "He [the Dalai Lama] has to clearly and publicly recognise that Tibet [and Taiwan are] an inseparable part of China [. . .]. Only under such conditions can the central government hold discussions on the fate of his future".
Mr Liu however acknowledged that meetings between Chinese officials and overseas Tibetans did take place.
"Not long ago, some relevant officials from the central government, when visiting abroad, met some Tibetans, including some close to the Dalai Lama, and held talks to learn more about their wishes and requirements," he said.
The Tibetan question began when Chinese troops occupied the mountain nation in 1950.
The Communists then proceeded to demolish thousands of monasteries, temples and monuments.
Chinese authorities went further, engaging in a policy of virtual ethnic cleansing that included forced abortion and mass sterilisation of Tibetan women as well as the transfer of million of Chinese colonists to the country.