Time is on China’s side, not Tibet’s

Now, there is a hint that China may use the same weapons to deal with the Dalai Lama issue. At a press conference, Qin was asked why, given substantial French investments in China, Beijing was treating France in such a way. The Chinese spokesman turned the question around and asked why France, given its significant investments, was behaving in such a manner. The implied threat was clear.

But neither side wants the situation to spin out of control. Both say they want to develop a comprehensive strategic partnership.

That being the case, it should be possible for the two sides to reach a compromise. China’s position on the Dalai Lama is unlikely to change and neither is that of the Europeans. However, if European leaders meet the Dalai Lama in unofficial settings and clearly as a religious rather than political leader, it may be possible to manage the relationship with China.

After all, the European countries recognize Chinese sovereignty over Tibet and do not have relations with the Tibetan government-in-exile in India. Hence, logically, any meeting with the Dalai Lama can only be in his religious capacity.

Besides, the Dalai Lama himself has repeatedly said that he does not want to play any political role. If Europeans take his statements at face value, it may be possible to arrange such occasional meetings.

China, of course, wants an end to all meetings with the Dalai Lama, but it is unlikely that this can be done. Beijing’s policy now appears to be one of biding its time and waiting for nature to take its course with the 73-year-old Tibetan leader. From that standpoint, time is on China’s side, so there seems no reason to push relations with European countries to the breaking point, as long as Europe itself assumes a moderate stance.

Columnist Ching can be reached at Frank.ching@gmail.com

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