Alan Carpenter’s plan to meet the Dalai Lama threatens to set off a diplomatic row after the Chinese Government warned yesterday it was “not appropriate” for the Premier to have contact with the exiled Tibetan leader.
The Chinese Government also warned that Mr Carpenter could jeopardise Australia’s valuable relationship with the Asian powerhouse, which is Australia’s second biggest trading partner, if he went ahead with his plan.
The West Australian understands Mr Carpenter is the only government leader in Australia to seek a meeting with the Buddhist spiritual leader, who will begin a two-week tour of the country in Perth in June.
The Dalai Lama, and about 80,000 Tibetans, fled to India in 1959 after Chinese troops overthrew the Buddhist administration. Chinese Embassy representative Liu Jin said it was “not appropriate” for the Prime Minister or premiers to meet the Dalai Lama.
“It’s not helpful for Australia and China’s relations. Our position is very clear, he is a separatist, not a real monk and it’s not proper for Australian Government officials to meet him,” Mr Jin said.
Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed China was on the cusp of becoming WA’s top export market, after it imported almost $10 billion worth of commodities in 2005-06.
Representatives of the Dalai Lama contacted State premiers, the Federal Government and local councils to notify them of his visit, and inviting them to meet him. His last visit in 1992 was embroiled in controversy after the Prime Minister was accused of snubbing him.
At the time, John Howard said he did not meet every spiritual leader every time they visited Australia.
Executive director of the Dalai Lama in Australia Allan Molloy said the Dalai Lama was determined to keep his visit non-political.
He would not seek a meeting with the Prime Minister, but would be happy to meet him if asked.
“He is absolutely determined that this is not about grandstanding,” he said. “He is here to talk about climate change, terrorism and spirituality.”
It will be the Dalai Lama’s fifth tour to Australia. He will hold two free talks on June 6 and speak at a business leaders function.
RHIANNA KING
CANBERRA
