Choice for Dalai Lama

Source: Xinhua | 07-01-2008 17:49

By Yi Yan

The Summer Beijing Olympic Games is drawing near to us, and the curtain of the world-focusing gala sports party will be pulled in about a month's time. I think that it is very possible that after the Olympic Games, Dalai Lama will fade in influence in the eyes of the Western countries. What the West cares is not only the growing economic power of China, but also the increasing political and diplomatic influence of this Oriental dynamic country. It is safe to say that China counts much more, in comparison with Dalai Lama, in anyone's mind.

China's central government is now willing to hold talks with him. I strongly suggest that Dalai Lama ought to grasp this chance, and respond positively towards the central government. If he continues to put on another political show on the world stage, the chance is likely to slip away. We have listened to what he has spoken lately, including those "soft speeches", but his faithfulness is questionable. Therefore, if the Dalai Lama really cares about this chance of negotiation with the central government, he needs to make up his mind, and trade good with good in action.

I am bewildered by Dalai Lama's recent speeches and political shows, which makes me quite suspicious of and not sure of his true intentions. If the Dalai Lama wrongly gauges the support the West gives him, and takes for granted the good intentions of the Chinese central government, or tries to seek a prey that is beyond reason, or even encourage and instigate his radical Tibetan followers to engage in violence, once again, Beijing will surely be enraged. Under that circumstance, it will force the central government to give up on him, once and all. There exists such advocacy in the central government now.