New Delhi, January 21 – The Dalai Lama on Wednesday said that better Sino-Indian relations could influence Beijing’s future stand on Tibet.
“The Chinese Government is truly showing genuine concern at good relations with India. That is very good, very important. The Sino-Indian friendship on the basis of mutual trust is very essential and positive,” he said.
“So, therefore, when China is showing genuine concerns to have good relations with India and eventually, the relations is improving. So, at such time Indian public’s message will be an important message in the minds of leaders of people’s Republic of China,” the Dalai Lama told a gathering in New Delhi.
He was here to inaugurate the “Year of Tibet”, which was organised by the Core Group for Tibetan cause, a voluntary organisation working for the cause of the Tibetans living in exile in India.
The Dalai Lama has been living in exile in India since he fled his homeland in 1959 after China occupied Tibet.
The Tibetan spiritual leader said there was a change in the Chinese perception of Tibet due to increased awareness brought about by information technology.
“More and more Chinese are showing sympathy and solidarity with Tibet. So, this happened not because the government persuaded the nation, but from outside. Information, so more movement, more information education, in a free country like here, will eventually help millions and millions of young Chinese to get a clear picture about Tibet, about Tibetan past history,” the Dalai Lama said.
The Dalai Lama, 67, lives in Dharamshala and is revered across the world for his long-standing campaign for peace and rights of the Tibetans.
Beijing is suspicious of the 1989 Nobel peace laureate but the soft-spoken leader has managed massive international support.
The Dalai Lama says he does not want independence but real autonomy for Tibet.
