Dalai Lama says world should be firm with China

Before heading to Beijing for the opening ceremony, U.S. President George W. Bush expressed "deep concerns" over religious freedom and individual rights in China. The Dalai Lama approved his tactic of being firm and friendly, saying "that's the way" to negotiate with China.

"The Chinese themselves are very, very keen to join the world community," he said.

"At the same time, the world community also has more responsibility to bring China in the mainstream of world democracy," he said. "That's very important."

Chinese authorities blame the Dalai Lama for recent unrest in Tibet, which Beijing says was part of a campaign to split the Himalayan region from the rest of China.

The Dalai Lama has denied the accusations, saying that despite China's crackdown in Tibet, he still supports a solution of meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people under China's rule, not independence.

The Dalai Lama said he was disappointed by the latest round of talks aimed at easing tensions between his supporters and China. His envoys met with Chinese authorities for a new round of talks last month.

France's government is keeping contacts with the Dalai Lama to a minimum during the visit -- prompting critics and human rights groups to accuse France of bowing to Chinese pressure over business contracts.

While Sarkozy does not plan to see the him this month, a government minister said the two men would meet Dec. 10, when Sarkozy welcomes Nobel Peace Prize winners to Paris. The president's office did not confirm the date, and a representative of the Dalai Lama would not comment on it.

Asked about the Dalai Lama's visit, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that China hoped France would "properly handle the Tibet-related issues."

"We hope France can work together with China to rule out any disruptions, to enhance our mutual trust and to maintain the momentum of development of bilateral relations," spokesman Qin Gang said.



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