CHINA-TIBET: DALAI LAMA

 In an interview with Asahi Shimbun in Tokyo on April 8, the 14th Dalai Lama said “Today’s China, compared with (that of) a few years ago, (has) changed much under the leadership of Xi Jinping. They are seriously struggling (to tackle) corruption.” Describing the Xi administration as being “more realistic” than past Chinese governments, he said that he is prepared to talk with China at any time and he assured that Tibet will not seek independence. “Contact (with Beijing) is still there,” the Dalai Lama said adding “We will see, for our part, no change. (We are) still fully committed to the ‘middle way’ approach.” “Hard-liners still accuse (us) of being separatists, (though we are) actually not. The whole world knows we are not seeking independence,” he said. “Some moderate leaders are quite keen to find some mutually good solution.” With regard to selection of his successor, the Dalai Lama stressed the decision should be left “up to the Tibetan people.” He said “My physical condition is quite good. Some even say--I (will be) 80 (in July)--I may live another 20 years. We (will) discuss the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama (further), then finalize it when my age reaches around 90.”


(Comment: The Dalai Lama is on a visit to Japan from April 2-13, 2015.)
 






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