By Craig Skehan
Australia: WHILE the Federal Government is publicly stating that its contact with the Dalai Lama is in his capacity as a religious figure, behind the scenes it has complained of slow progress of dialogue between Beijing and representatives of the Tibetan leader.
Australia has also privately cited a need for meaningful negotiations on the future of Tibet. The visiting Dalai Lama, who lives in exile, is seeking autonomy for his homeland.
Beijing this week again attacked him as a dangerous “splittist” and expressed displeasure when his planned meeting with the Prime Minister, John Howard, in Sydney tomorrow was revealed. The Dalai Lama will also address mass gatherings in the Domain.
The Chinese Government said on Tuesday that he was “not a simple religious figure” and should not be allowed to damage Sino-Australian relations.
It was confirmed yesterday that Chinese officials have raised concerns over the visit with Australian diplomats in Beijing and Canberra. Australia has in the past stated it is pleased there is dialogue between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and Beijing.
However, the Herald has obtained a letter from an official in Mr Howard’s department which goes further. On July 12 last year James Choi, as assistant secretary in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, wrote to the Australia Tibet Council, which supports Tibetan autonomy.
His letter stated that Mr Howard had not raised the issue with China’s Premier, Wen Jiabao. “However, the Australian Government shares your concerns about the slow progress in dialogue … [It] has urged the Chinese Government to enter into meaningful negotiations on Tibet and will continue to raise its concerns.”
The Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, said the Dalai Lama was being treated as a significant religious figure. This had no implications for Australian views on “Chinese sovereignty over Tibet or other political issues”.
