SCMP Issues and Implications: April 26, 2008

Beijing will talk with representatives of the Dalai Lama as a result of intense international pressure & protests targeting the Olympic torch relay in March. This is the first major step taken by Beijing in response to intense international pressure to ease the Tibetan crisis and comes after a state media report singled out the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader for instigating the riots in Tibet in March. Xinhua released the following statement about the proposed meeting: “In view of the repeated requests made by the Dalai side, the relevant department of the central government will have contact and consultation with the Dalai’s private representatives in the coming days”.

According to the Dalai Lama’s spokesman, Tenzin Takhla: “Only face-to-face meetings can lead to a resolution of the Tibetan issue. His holiness, since March 10, when the (pro-Tibet) protests had been making all efforts to China and the Chinese government and he hopes that the Tibetan issue can be resolved only through dialogue”.

Xinhua’s quote of an anonymous government official: “The central government’s towards the Dalai (Lama) has always been consistent and the door of dialogue has always remained open. It is hoped that through contact and consultation, the Dalai side will take credible moves to stop activities aimed at splitting China, stop plotting and inciting violence and stop disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games so as to create conditions for talks”.

According to Kelsang Gyaltsen, the Dalai Lama’s representative, “We have been told verbally, through private channels, that a meeting has been proposed. We know neither the date, the location, nor the topics that must be addressed at the meeting.

EU Commissioner Jose Manuel Barroso: “I’m extremely happy that this decision was taken during this visit to Beijing. I believe that this also can create a better understanding between China and Europe”.

According to Beijing, about 20 people have died in the riots while Tibet says that the toll is higher.

Implications:

Talks have been proposed, but whether China will act on the promises made at these talks, whether China & Europe will become closer and whether these talks will happen at all still remains to be seen.

The European Chamber of Commerce has complained about visa complications, including the suspension of express visa services and the refusal of multiple-entry visas.

According to EU Chamber of Commerce Joerg Wuttke: “These new practices make the possibility of traveling to China for business uncertain and increase travel costs”.

An article about the legal basis of Tibetan self-determination has been refused publication.

Implications:

China’s media is still heavily censored.