Reportage – 2007

Dalai Lama firm on Middle Way policy

The Dalai Lama speaking on: The Middle Way: a peaceful approach to resolve conflicts, at the Monash University in Melbourne. [ click here for print size   4.2M ]

MELBOURNE, Australia, 8 June 2007 — The Dalai Lama reaffirmed that he is not budging from his Middle Way policy seeking genuine autonomy for Tibet in settling the Tibetan issue with China.

"Tibet is a small country. It is better to be a part of a bigger nation for it's own benefit," he said during a speech at the Mohash University in Melbourne.

Although he receive criticism from some Tibetans for forsaking independence for Tibet, but since the dissenters do not have a proposal in a systematic and reasonable manner, he said a new or an alternative policy could not be adopted.

However, China regularly accuse him of working towards Tibetan independence.

"The whole world knows that I am not seeking an independent Tibet."

The Chinese reluctance to address the Tibetan issue is only causing harm for themselves, the Dalai Lama indicated. "China is lacking the moral authority to be a super power."

Settling the Tibetan issue can also send positive message to Taiwan and Hong Kong towards reunification.

The Dalai Lama planned a reconciliation with the Chinese in 1983 after he expressed his wish to return to Tibet. However, the Chinese government rejected this plan after they refused to receive his emmiseries two years later.

Talking about his own position now, he says, "My position is like semi-retirement. I am acting like a senior advisor (for the Tibetan government-in-exile)."

He raised concerns over destruction of the envorinment, restrictions on Tibetan culture and the violations of human rights in Tibet.

The alarming rate of deforestration and exploitation of natural resources are causing untold damage to the environment and contributing to the global warming.

The destruction of the ecological balance in Tibet will affect millions of people in India, China and other neighbouring countries.

"Negligence of imparting education for Tibetans in Tibet was China's worst mistake."

China invaded Tibet after it established a new communist country in 1949.

"When the Chinese entered Tibet, they were coming to help Tibetans. Chairman Mao told me of this during our meetings in China in 1954-55. I trusted Chairman Mao," says the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama at the Monash University. His representative for Australia Tenzin Phuntsok Atisha is seen on the left and on the right is his translator. [ click here for print size   3.4M ]

The Chinese invasion ultimately led to the Dalai Lama's escape in to exile to India in 1959, and his establishment of the Tibetan government-in-exile in the Indian hill town of Dharamshala.

Since 2002 five rounds of meetings have taken place between the envoys of the Dalai Lama and some Chinese leaders after the two sides renewed links after about a decade of deadlock.

"The talks were friendly and frank and they were useful. But now due to some Chinese hardliners in the communist party, the situation has hardened," he says.

"I strongly oppose the lack of freedom and access to free information in China."

The Dalai Lama concluded his speech stating that supporting the Tibetan cause is not being pro-Tibet, but it is pro-justice.