TOKYO —
The Dalai Lama reiterated his criticism Monday of the Chinese
government over its handling of the Tibetan issue, while expressing
concern over global warming, which is said to be affecting Tibet at a
faster rate than the rest of the world. Speaking to the Foreign
Correspondents’ Club of Japan in Tokyo, the Tibetan spiritual leader
described the current situation of Tibet as ‘‘very sad’’ and expressed
hope that Tibetans and China will be able to overcome their
differences and reach a ‘‘positive agreement.’’
As for the approach to take in future negotiations with China, the
14th Dalai Lama said he will leave it up to Tibetans to decide and
refrained from indicating his own view on the matter so as to allow
them to consider the matter without any bias.
On climate change, he referred to information provided to him by
ecological experts who say the melting of ice and snow on the Tibetan
plateau, also called the ‘‘Roof of the World’’ for being the region
with the highest average altitude, is ‘‘much faster than general
global warming.’’
‘‘We need special protection (for the) Roof of the World’s ecology,’’
the Dalai Lama said to an audience of about 300, including some 170
media representatives. ‘‘The consequences (are faced by) not only 6
million Tibetans, but also (people of the) whole world.’’
He emphasized that Tibetans are not seeking separation or independence
from China but are seeking ‘‘genuine autonomy’’ as such situation has
not been realized despite reference to Tibetan autonomy in the Chinese
Constitution.
Concerning an emergency meeting of Tibetans to be held in Dharamsala,
the northern Indian town where the Dalai Lama’s government-in-exile is
based, from Nov 17 to discuss how to approach China, the leader said
he wants to ‘‘remain completely neutral’’ for the time being.
‘‘Since our approach failed to bring some positive change inside
Tibet, the criticism is also increasing. So there’s no other
alternative except to ask the people,’’ the Dalai Lama said,
mentioning that Chinese suppression on Tibetans is increasing.
‘‘If I say I prefer this way, then that may become a hindrance or
obstacle to different opinions (and) feelings, out of devotion. I
don’t want that...so therefore, I remain completely silent,’’ he said.
The 73-year-old head of the Tibetan government-in-exile expressed hope
for ‘‘objective’’ and ‘‘open’’ discussions that are not based just on
emotions or prejudgment but are carried out with a ‘‘calm mind.’’
‘‘I think their mind should be open to explore all different sorts of
options. That’s important. Sometimes too much emotion or just being
fixed on one thing—that’s sometimes Chinese,’’ he said.
While mixing in his trademark sense of humor in his presentation, he
noted that Chinese suppression on Tibet has created a situation in
which Tibetans born in India are ‘‘more Tibetan’’ than young Tibetans
who come from China-ruled Tibet in terms of language and lifestyle.
‘‘Whether intentionally or unintentionally, some kind of cultural
genocide is taking place,’’ the Dalai Lama said. ‘‘Not exact genocide,
but something like cultural genocide, very subtly.’’
Although the Dalai Lama said he thinks the Tibet issue is ‘‘hopeless’’
locally and on the short term, he said the matter is ‘‘still hopeful’’
when considering it from a wider perspective as there are a growing
number of Chinese who realize that Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan
culture are good and useful.
‘‘They understand what we’re talking about. So I think (Chinese)
Communist leaders should have more spiritual mind...rather than
thinking only about money, power, money, power, money, power,’’ he
said.
The Dalai Lama, who arrived in Japan on Friday from New Delhi, said
that once there is change in the current political situation caused by
fear and ignorance, then a ‘‘positive decision, positive agreement can
be reached within a few days.’’
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