Dalai Lama wants to visit China

DHARAMSALA, India - The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, said yesterday he wanted to go to China to visit Buddhist landmarks and witness the economic progress the Asian powerhouse has made in recent years.

"As well as visiting the pilgrimage sites, I hope to be able to see for myself the changes and developments in the People's Republic of China," he said in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala, the headquarters of his Tibetan government-in-exile.

The Dalai Lama has not visited China since fleeing Tibet in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule.

His comments came four days after the governor of Chinese-ruled Tibet said the latest round of talks between the Dalai Lama's envoys and Chinese authorities had failed to make any substantial progress.

The Dalai Lama, a Nobel peace laureate, said the latest round of talks between his envoys and Beijing had been "frank" and "extensive".

But while praising China's fast-growing economy, the Dalai Lama said Beijing should loosen political controls.

"The fundamental issue that must be addressed is that, in tandem with political power and economic development, China must also follow the modern trend in terms of developing a more open society, a free press and policy transparency," he said.

"This, as every sensible person can see, is the foundation of genuine peace, harmony and stability."

The Dalai Lama was speaking to Tibetan exiles on the 47th anniversary of the uprising against Chinese rule.

Talks between his envoys and Beijing resumed in 2002 but the Chinese government has hardly ever publicly acknowledged the talks.

The Tibetan leader reiterated his "Middle Way" position that seeks greater autonomy for Tibet but not independence. Beijing doubts his sincerity.

Some analysts have said that long-drawn-out negotiations with few Chinese concessions could strengthen support among Tibetans -- especially younger people -- for full independence.
- REUTERS