Rome – China’s growing international influence could be positive for Tibet’s cause, the country’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, told Rome-daily La Repubblica in an interview published Friday. “China has always accused us of being used by international powers and in particular by the United States,” said the Dalai Lama. “But if it acquired more influence and started to fear the external world less, perhaps this could be a positive factor for us as well – though it is still too early to say this.”
“There is a growing number of Chinese people who support our cause,” said the Dalai Lama, who was scheduled on Friday to meet Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican in a private audience. “China needs Tibet and its spiritual and religious richness. Tibet needs China to develop. What we want is an accord benefiting both parties.”
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, has lived in exile since 1959, but he is still considered by many to be both the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people both living in their country, under Chinese occupation, or abroad.
The Dalai Lama also told La Repubblica that “accords of foreign countries with Beijing are welcome because they can contribute to the development of that part of the Chinese population still living in poverty. Western countries talk business but also talk about human rights. I think this is the right approach.”
The 71-year-old Buddhist monk last met a pontiff on 27 November 2003 when his brief encounter with the late Pope John Paul II was given a low profile.
The Vatican’s reluctance to publicise that meeting was seen as an attempt not to offend China, which objects to governments talking to the Dalai Lama.
The Vatican has been working to improve conditions facing Chinese Catholics who are not allowed to recognise the pope’s authority and must join a state-backed ‘patriotic church’.
