A youth appointed by China as the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism but reviled as a fake by many Tibetans made his first trip outside the country last month, attending events in Thailand, Chinese state media reported.

Although officially atheist, China selected Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995 in a drive to win the hearts and minds of Tibetans.

Tibet's current spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing brands a dangerous separatist, had announced his own choice of a six-year-old boy, but he was taken away by authorities and has since vanished from public view.

In a brief report late on Monday, the official China News Service said that China's Panchen Lama had gone to Thailand in the middle of May, the first time he had ever left China.

On his trip, which has not been reported before, he gave a speech at a Buddhist university in Bangkok and attended other Buddhist events and religious exchanges.

The visit made him even more aware of the "greatness of the motherland and the Chinese Communist Party", he told the Chinese News Service.

"We thank the Chinese Communist Party for leading the Chinese people to stand up and become rich and strong."

China has gradually exposed its Panchen Lama in public roles in the hope he will achieve the respect commanded by the Dalai Lama among Tibetans and globally. He made his first trip outside mainland China in 2012 when he visited Hong Kong.

Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1950. China routinely rejects criticism of its rule there, saying it has brought much-needed development to a remote region and that it respects Tibet's culture and religion.

After the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the 10th Panchen Lama stayed on and was initially seen as a collaborator. It later emerged that his criticism of Beijing had earned him more than a decade spent either in prison or under house arrest.

Freed in 1977, he was politically rehabilitated the following year and died in 1989.

April this year marked the 30th birthday of the boy appointed by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama. China has said he is living a "normal life" and does not want to be disturbed.

A youth appointed by China as the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism but reviled as a fake by many Tibetans made his first trip outside the country last month, attending events in Thailand, Chinese state media reported.

A youth appointed by China as the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism but reviled as a fake by many Tibetans made his first trip outside the country last month, attending events in Thailand, Chinese state media reported. Although officially atheist, China selected Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995 in a drive to win the hearts and minds of Tibetans. Tibet's current spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing brands a dangerous separatist, had announced his own choice of a six-year-old boy, but he was taken away by authorities and has since vanished from public view. In a brief report late on Monday, the official China News Service said that China's Panchen Lama had gone to Thailand in the middle of May, the first time he had ever left China. On his trip, which has not been reported before, he gave a speech at a Buddhist university in Bangkok and attended other Buddhist events and religious exchanges. The visit made him even more aware of the "greatness of the motherland and the Chinese Communist Party", he told the Chinese News Service. "We thank the Chinese Communist Party for leading the Chinese people to stand up and become rich and strong." China has gradually exposed its Panchen Lama in public roles in the hope he will achieve the respect commanded by the Dalai Lama among Tibetans and globally. He made his first trip outside mainland China in 2012 when he visited Hong Kong. Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1950. China routinely rejects criticism of its rule there, saying it has brought much-needed development to a remote region and that it respects Tibet's culture and religion. After the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the 10th Panchen Lama stayed on and was initially seen as a collaborator. It later emerged that his criticism of Beijing had earned him more than a decade spent either in prison or under house arrest. Freed in 1977, he was politically rehabilitated the following year and died in 1989. April this year marked the 30th birthday of the boy appointed by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama. China has said he is living a "normal life" and does not want to be disturbed.

China says its Panchen Lama made first trip outside country in May

China on Tuesday rejected US Ambassador Terry Branstad's call to Beijing to engage in "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-should-hold-talks-with-dalai-lama-us-ambassador-terry-branstad-221709">substantive dialogue</a>" with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/three-journalists-under-probe-for-reporting-news-about-dalai-lama-in-nepal-219523">Dalai Lama</a>, saying it was firmly opposed to "foreign interference" in Tibet and its internal affairs.

Branstad visited Tibet from May 19 to 25, the first such visit by a US ambassador to China to the remote Himalayan region since 2015, where access is restricted for diplomats and journalists.

During his visit, he asked the Chinese government to "engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences," according to US embassy spokeswoman who briefed the media.

"He also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese government’s interference in Tibetan Buddhists' freedom to organise and practice their religion," she said.

Asked about the US envoy's call for dialogue with the Dalai Lama, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media here that Chinese officials had briefed the ambassador about China's religious and ethnic policies and also about socio-economic development in Tibet.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-india-china-should-unite-like-european-union-says-dalai-lama-208009/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It has also been made clear to him that "the Chinese government's policy on dialogue and contact with the Dalai Lama and foreigners access to Tibet. Finally, it was also stressed that China firmly opposes any foreign interference in Tibet affairs in China's domestic affairs," he said.

"The ambassador thanked China for the hospitality given to him and spoke positively about socio-economic development in Tibet and said that the visit helped him have a better understanding of the situation in Tibet," Lu said.

Beijing's permission to Branstad came after the US early this year passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, warning equal and reciprocal measures if Beijing denied access to American citizens, government officials and journalists to Tibet.

The new US law would impose a visa ban on Chinese officials who deny American citizens, government officials and journalists access to Tibet.

Before the US's envoy's visit, Lu hoped that he would make an objective and unbiased judgement on the situation in Tibet.

China, which accuses the Dalai Lama as a "splittist" working for Tibetan independence, has held talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives to find an amicable solution to the Tibetan issue in the past. The last such dialogue took place in 2010.

The 14th Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from the Chinese occupation and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala.

Beijing criticises the Dalai Lama's demand for autonomy, saying that it is a ploy for the separation of Tibet from China. Chinese officials have said in the past that the Dalai Lama's demand to unify all the Tibetan prefectures with the present Tibetan Autonomous Region and provide greater autonomy is unacceptable to Beijing.

Over 120 Tibetans committed self-immolations in recent years calling for the return of the Dalai Lama from his exile in India.

China on Tuesday rejected US Ambassador Terry Branstad's call to Beijing to engage in "substantive dialogue" with the Dalai Lama, saying it was firmly opposed to "foreign interference" in Tibet and its internal affairs.

China on Tuesday rejected US Ambassador Terry Branstad's call to Beijing to engage in "substantive dialogue" with the Dalai Lama, saying it was firmly opposed to "foreign interference" in Tibet and its internal affairs. Branstad visited Tibet from May 19 to 25, the first such visit by a US ambassador to China to the remote Himalayan region since 2015, where access is restricted for diplomats and journalists. During his visit, he asked the Chinese government to "engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences," according to US embassy spokeswoman who briefed the media. "He also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese government’s interference in Tibetan Buddhists' freedom to organise and practice their religion," she said. Asked about the US envoy's call for dialogue with the Dalai Lama, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media here that Chinese officials had briefed the ambassador about China's religious and ethnic policies and also about socio-economic development in Tibet. It has also been made clear to him that "the Chinese government's policy on dialogue and contact with the Dalai Lama and foreigners access to Tibet. Finally, it was also stressed that China firmly opposes any foreign interference in Tibet affairs in China's domestic affairs," he said. "The ambassador thanked China for the hospitality given to him and spoke positively about socio-economic development in Tibet and said that the visit helped him have a better understanding of the situation in Tibet," Lu said. Beijing's permission to Branstad came after the US early this year passed the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, warning equal and reciprocal measures if Beijing denied access to American citizens, government officials and journalists to Tibet. The new US law would impose a visa ban on Chinese officials who deny American citizens, government officials and journalists access to Tibet. Before the US's envoy's visit, Lu hoped that he would make an objective and unbiased judgement on the situation in Tibet. China, which accuses the Dalai Lama as a "splittist" working for Tibetan independence, has held talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives to find an amicable solution to the Tibetan issue in the past. The last such dialogue took place in 2010. The 14th Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from the Chinese occupation and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala. Beijing criticises the Dalai Lama's demand for autonomy, saying that it is a ploy for the separation of Tibet from China. Chinese officials have said in the past that the Dalai Lama's demand to unify all the Tibetan prefectures with the present Tibetan Autonomous Region and provide greater autonomy is unacceptable to Beijing. Over 120 Tibetans committed self-immolations in recent years calling for the return of the Dalai Lama from his exile in India.

China rejects US Ambassador Terry Branstad's call for talks with Dalai Lama

China should hold talks with Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad told Chinese officials during a trip to the Himalayan region where he criticised Beijing for interfering in religious freedom.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ambassador-to-china-visiting-tibet-this-week-220100">Branstad visited Tibet last week</a>, the first such trip by a US ambassador since 2015, amid escalating trade and diplomatic tension between the two countries.

His visit followed the passing of a US law in December that requires the United States to deny visas to Chinese officials in charge of implementing policies that restrict access to Tibet for foreigners, legislation that was denounced by China.

Branstad met Chinese government officials and Tibetan religious and cultural figures, and "raised our long-standing concerns about lack of consistent access" to Tibet, the US Embassy in Beijing said in an emailed statement on Saturday.

"He encouraged the Chinese government to engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences," an embassy spokeswoman said.

"He also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese government's interference in Tibetan Buddhists' freedom to organise and practise their religion," she said.

Beijing sent troops into remote, mountainous Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and has ruled there with an iron fist ever since.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in early 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and Beijing still brands him a dangerous separatist. China says its leaders have the right to approve his successor, as a legacy from China's emperors.

But the 83-year-old Nobel peace laureate monk, who lives in exile in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala, has said that his incarnation could be found in India after he dies, and that any other successor named by China would not be respected.

Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child on his death.

Tibet's Communist Party secretary, Wu Yingjie, told Branstad how China had made "huge achievements" in "guaranteeing according to law" religious freedom and traditional culture in Tibet, the official Tibet Daily newspaper said late on Saturday.

Wu added that he "sincerely welcomed more American friends to visit" the region.

China's Foreign Ministry said last week that China hoped the ambassador would not take any "prejudices" with him on the trip.

In December, China criticised the United States for passing the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, which seeks to promote access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet.

The US government is required to begin denying visas by the end of this year.

China should hold talks with Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad told Chinese officials during a trip to the Himalayan region where he criticised Beijing for interfering in religious freedom.

China should hold talks with Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, US Ambassador to China Terry Branstad told Chinese officials during a trip to the Himalayan region where he criticised Beijing for interfering in religious freedom. Branstad visited Tibet last week, the first such trip by a US ambassador since 2015, amid escalating trade and diplomatic tension between the two countries. His visit followed the passing of a US law in December that requires the United States to deny visas to Chinese officials in charge of implementing policies that restrict access to Tibet for foreigners, legislation that was denounced by China. Branstad met Chinese government officials and Tibetan religious and cultural figures, and "raised our long-standing concerns about lack of consistent access" to Tibet, the US Embassy in Beijing said in an emailed statement on Saturday. "He encouraged the Chinese government to engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences," an embassy spokeswoman said. "He also expressed concerns regarding the Chinese government's interference in Tibetan Buddhists' freedom to organise and practise their religion," she said. Beijing sent troops into remote, mountainous Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and has ruled there with an iron fist ever since. The Dalai Lama fled to India in early 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and Beijing still brands him a dangerous separatist. China says its leaders have the right to approve his successor, as a legacy from China's emperors. But the 83-year-old Nobel peace laureate monk, who lives in exile in the northern Indian hill town of Dharamshala, has said that his incarnation could be found in India after he dies, and that any other successor named by China would not be respected. Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child on his death. Tibet's Communist Party secretary, Wu Yingjie, told Branstad how China had made "huge achievements" in "guaranteeing according to law" religious freedom and traditional culture in Tibet, the official Tibet Daily newspaper said late on Saturday. Wu added that he "sincerely welcomed more American friends to visit" the region. China's Foreign Ministry said last week that China hoped the ambassador would not take any "prejudices" with him on the trip. In December, China criticised the United States for passing the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, which seeks to promote access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet. The US government is required to begin denying visas by the end of this year.

China should hold talks with Dalai Lama: US ambassador Terry Branstad

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger.

The desk had dispatched news about the health condition of Tibetan spiritual leader - from that of his admission to his discharge from a hospital.

"They are under probe for dispatching such content which is very sensational for us," Hari Adhikari "Syamal", chairman of the RSS informed.

The probe was started after the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ordered an investigation of the issue.

"They are being probed for the issue of a Dalai Lama related story following instructions by Ministry (Communications and Information Technology).&nbsp; 
The journalists have given their answer about coverage, they have mentioned that it was based on humanitarian ground and had a strong news sense and value as it was an issue of concern for all," a member from the committee formed to investigate the probe informed ANI seeking anonymity.

"This is not the first time that a journalist from RSS has been probed. Previously, the Chinese Embassy has had us pressured to censor news content as well as highlight those of their interest. Working space has been crippled due to this," a senior reporter working with the state agency of the Himalayan nation confirmed.

"We only wrote the news that we received from a subscribed foreign wire service. We transcribed the English contents mainly about the admission of Dalai Lama in hospital, improvement in health condition and his discharge.&nbsp;

This caught the attention of the North because it bore a New Delhi dateline," one of the reporters being probed claimed, referring to China as "North".

The development comes at a time when the communist government is bringing on strong legislative measures, like the "Media Council Bill", to curb the freedom of journalists.

The Government of Nepal under the Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli last week have had registered the particular new bill in Parliament Secretariat proposing to fine journalists, media outlets, editors, publishers if they are found to be violating media code of ethics.

"The council can also get the aggrieved persons or institutions compensated if they suffer any loss due to the publication or broadcast of the material violating the code of conduct issued by the council," the section 18 (1) of the new bill states.

The compensation amount can range in between Nepal Rupees 25,000 to one million.

The adjoining sub-section (2) of the same section also has granted authority to the council to order the erring parties to pay compensation if the content in media outlets damages the image of the affected party.

The current Media Council Act, still in practice does not have such provisions of paying compensation to the aggrieved party, rather it requires publication of the affected party's version. Along with this, it makes recommendations to the government to partially or completely stop the subsidiaries and governmental facilities for a certain period of time.

Reciprocating current practice, the bill further explains that the council should forward the case to the concerned authority for legal actions if any case concerning media ethics also constitutes an offence under any existing law.

Along with the provision in the bill states that the media, publishers, editors or journalists can challenge the decision of the media council at the high court within 35 days of a verdict.

Also, proposed media bill, if adopted, would dismiss current watchdog body, the Press Council Nepal. A new body, Media Council, will be formed which drafts and implements a media code of ethics making it mandatory for the media houses to adopt an internal code of ethics in line with the council's code.

The Freedom Forum, a civil liberty group of Nepal in its April release had reported 104 incidents of press freedom violations in Nepal in the last 12&nbsp; 
months, double that of 2017.

"Last year (2018) was challenging and disappointing for press freedom in Nepal because of the significant rise in the number of violations against the press, formulation of laws and policies unfavourable to the free press, and increased digital surveillance of journalists," the report stated.

The International Federation of Journalists also has called for the revision over the provisions of new media bill urging all the concerned authorities to maintain press freedom in the Himalayan nation.

"The harsh provisions proposed in this bill will have wide-reaching implications for press freedom in Nepal. The media cannot operate in an environment of fear and intimidation, which would be created by many of these proposed changes. We call on the Nepali government to conduct consultations with media stakeholders and revise the provisions immediately," IFJ said in the statement.

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger.

Three journalists from Nepal's state news agency, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), are under probe for reporting news about Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. Journalists Mohani Risal, Somnath Lamichhane and Jivan Bhandari who work for the foreign desk of RSS are being investigated over news on Dalai Lama - much to China's anger. The desk had dispatched news about the health condition of Tibetan spiritual leader - from that of his admission to his discharge from a hospital. "They are under probe for dispatching such content which is very sensational for us," Hari Adhikari "Syamal", chairman of the RSS informed. The probe was started after the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology ordered an investigation of the issue. "They are being probed for the issue of a Dalai Lama related story following instructions by Ministry (Communications and Information Technology). The journalists have given their answer about coverage, they have mentioned that it was based on humanitarian ground and had a strong news sense and value as it was an issue of concern for all," a member from the committee formed to investigate the probe informed ANI seeking anonymity. "This is not the first time that a journalist from RSS has been probed. Previously, the Chinese Embassy has had us pressured to censor news content as well as highlight those of their interest. Working space has been crippled due to this," a senior reporter working with the state agency of the Himalayan nation confirmed. "We only wrote the news that we received from a subscribed foreign wire service. We transcribed the English contents mainly about the admission of Dalai Lama in hospital, improvement in health condition and his discharge. This caught the attention of the North because it bore a New Delhi dateline," one of the reporters being probed claimed, referring to China as "North". The development comes at a time when the communist government is bringing on strong legislative measures, like the "Media Council Bill", to curb the freedom of journalists. The Government of Nepal under the Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli last week have had registered the particular new bill in Parliament Secretariat proposing to fine journalists, media outlets, editors, publishers if they are found to be violating media code of ethics. "The council can also get the aggrieved persons or institutions compensated if they suffer any loss due to the publication or broadcast of the material violating the code of conduct issued by the council," the section 18 (1) of the new bill states. The compensation amount can range in between Nepal Rupees 25,000 to one million. The adjoining sub-section (2) of the same section also has granted authority to the council to order the erring parties to pay compensation if the content in media outlets damages the image of the affected party. The current Media Council Act, still in practice does not have such provisions of paying compensation to the aggrieved party, rather it requires publication of the affected party's version. Along with this, it makes recommendations to the government to partially or completely stop the subsidiaries and governmental facilities for a certain period of time. Reciprocating current practice, the bill further explains that the council should forward the case to the concerned authority for legal actions if any case concerning media ethics also constitutes an offence under any existing law. Along with the provision in the bill states that the media, publishers, editors or journalists can challenge the decision of the media council at the high court within 35 days of a verdict. Also, proposed media bill, if adopted, would dismiss current watchdog body, the Press Council Nepal. A new body, Media Council, will be formed which drafts and implements a media code of ethics making it mandatory for the media houses to adopt an internal code of ethics in line with the council's code. The Freedom Forum, a civil liberty group of Nepal in its April release had reported 104 incidents of press freedom violations in Nepal in the last 12 months, double that of 2017. "Last year (2018) was challenging and disappointing for press freedom in Nepal because of the significant rise in the number of violations against the press, formulation of laws and policies unfavourable to the free press, and increased digital surveillance of journalists," the report stated. The International Federation of Journalists also has called for the revision over the provisions of new media bill urging all the concerned authorities to maintain press freedom in the Himalayan nation. "The harsh provisions proposed in this bill will have wide-reaching implications for press freedom in Nepal. The media cannot operate in an environment of fear and intimidation, which would be created by many of these proposed changes. We call on the Nepali government to conduct consultations with media stakeholders and revise the provisions immediately," IFJ said in the statement.

Three journalists under probe for reporting news about Dalai Lama in Nepal

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan have come forward with donations for those affected by cyclone 'Fani', which caused widespread destruction in the state and claimed at least 35 lives, reported news agency PTI.

"As a mark of solidarity with the people of Odisha, I am donating Rs 1,000,000 from the Dalai Lama Trust to the efforts to provide relief and rebuilt," a letter written by the Dalai Lama's office to Patnaik, said.

The spiritual leader also hailed the measures taken by the Odisha government in facing the cyclonic storm. Due to the proactive steps, the human casualties have been minimal, the Dalai Lama said.

"At the same time, I would like to express my sadness about the lives that were lost, the devastation of property, and hardship this storm has caused to many people," he said.

Meanwhile, Patnaik announced he will donate one year's salary to the chief minister's relief fund for the cyclone-hit people, the report added.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also donated his one month's salary.

Official sources said the government of Chhattishgarh has donated Rs 11 crore to the chief minister's relief fund, while Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu contributed Rs 10 crore each for the cyclone victims. The Uttarakhand government has donated Rs 5 crore.&nbsp;

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan have come forward with donations for those affected by cyclone 'Fani', which caused widespread destruction in the state and claimed at least 35 lives, reported news agency PTI.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan have come forward with donations for those affected by cyclone 'Fani', which caused widespread destruction in the state and claimed at least 35 lives, reported news agency PTI. "As a mark of solidarity with the people of Odisha, I am donating Rs 1,000,000 from the Dalai Lama Trust to the efforts to provide relief and rebuilt," a letter written by the Dalai Lama's office to Patnaik, said. The spiritual leader also hailed the measures taken by the Odisha government in facing the cyclonic storm. Due to the proactive steps, the human casualties have been minimal, the Dalai Lama said. "At the same time, I would like to express my sadness about the lives that were lost, the devastation of property, and hardship this storm has caused to many people," he said. Meanwhile, Patnaik announced he will donate one year's salary to the chief minister's relief fund for the cyclone-hit people, the report added. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also donated his one month's salary. Official sources said the government of Chhattishgarh has donated Rs 11 crore to the chief minister's relief fund, while Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu contributed Rs 10 crore each for the cyclone victims. The Uttarakhand government has donated Rs 5 crore.

Cyclone Fani: Dalai Lama, Patnaik, Pradhan donate for victims

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi for treatment after being diagnosed with the chest infection, returned to Dharamshala on Friday.

"Fully recovered. No problem. The illness was a little serious, but now I have fully recovered," Dalai Lama said while speaking to mediapersons.

On April 7, Dalai Lama was brought to Delhi after he complained of discomfort. "His Holiness was admitted to the hospital today due to a chest infection. He will remain in the hospital for the next two to three days," Tenzin Taklha, private secretary of Dalai Lama had told.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. After a rebellion against the Chinese rule in 1959, the spiritual leader had exiled himself in India and has since been living mostly in Himachal Pradesh`s Dharamsala.

The Nobel laureate`s supporters operate a government-in-exile and promote Tibet`s autonomy by peaceful means.&nbsp;

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi for treatment after being diagnosed with the chest infection, returned to Dharamshala on Friday.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who was admitted to a private hospital in New Delhi for treatment after being diagnosed with the chest infection, returned to Dharamshala on Friday. "Fully recovered. No problem. The illness was a little serious, but now I have fully recovered," Dalai Lama said while speaking to mediapersons. On April 7, Dalai Lama was brought to Delhi after he complained of discomfort. "His Holiness was admitted to the hospital today due to a chest infection. He will remain in the hospital for the next two to three days," Tenzin Taklha, private secretary of Dalai Lama had told. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. After a rebellion against the Chinese rule in 1959, the spiritual leader had exiled himself in India and has since been living mostly in Himachal Pradesh`s Dharamsala. The Nobel laureate`s supporters operate a government-in-exile and promote Tibet`s autonomy by peaceful means.

Dalai Lama back in Dharamshala, says fully recovered now

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama was discharged from Delhi hospital on Friday, his personal spokesman said, three days after being admitted with what an aide called a "light cough".&nbsp;

"He was discharged from the hospital at 8 o'clock in the morning," Tenzin Taklha told. "He is doing very well now."

Dalai Lama was admitted to hospital with chest infection on Tuesday.

The 83-year-old, a globally revered figure and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, had come to Delhi from Dharamshala for a check-up at the Max Hospital in Saket.

The 14th Dalai Lama was in Delhi for attending a global learning conference that ended on April 6. He returned to Dharamshala from New Delhi on Monday.

The Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from Chinese occupation and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama was discharged from Delhi hospital on Friday, his personal spokesman said, three days after being admitted with what an aide called a "light cough".

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama was discharged from Delhi hospital on Friday, his personal spokesman said, three days after being admitted with what an aide called a "light cough". "He was discharged from the hospital at 8 o'clock in the morning," Tenzin Taklha told. "He is doing very well now." Dalai Lama was admitted to hospital with chest infection on Tuesday. The 83-year-old, a globally revered figure and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, had come to Delhi from Dharamshala for a check-up at the Max Hospital in Saket. The 14th Dalai Lama was in Delhi for attending a global learning conference that ended on April 6. He returned to Dharamshala from New Delhi on Monday. The Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from Chinese occupation and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala.

Dalai Lama discharged from Delhi hospital after chest infection, says spokesman

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama was admitted to a private hospital in Delhi on Tuesday with a chest infection.

Dalai Lama hospitalised with a chest infection

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi with a chest infection and his condition is stable, hospital sources said Wednesday.

The 83-year-old, a globally revered figure and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, had come down here from Dharamshala for a check-up at the Max Hospital in Saket on Tuesday.

"He was brought to Max Hospital yesterday with a case of chest infection. The Dalai Lama was later admitted and will be under treatment for a couple of days. He is in a stable condition," a source said.

The 14th Dalai Lama was here for the past few days for attending a global learning conference that ended on April 6. He returned to Dharamshala from New Delhi on Monday.

The Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from Chinese occupation, and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala.

At the event, he had also spoken about ageing and reincarnation, and reiterated that he was the "son of the Nalanda tradition" referring to the rich Buddhist heritage of the Nalanda University in Bihar.

China has said the successor to the Dalai Lama must be chosen according to religious rituals and historical conventions as well as the backing from the ruling Communist Party.

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi with a chest infection and his condition is stable, hospital sources said Wednesday.

Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has been admitted to a private hospital in Delhi with a chest infection and his condition is stable, hospital sources said Wednesday. The 83-year-old, a globally revered figure and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, had come down here from Dharamshala for a check-up at the Max Hospital in Saket on Tuesday. "He was brought to Max Hospital yesterday with a case of chest infection. The Dalai Lama was later admitted and will be under treatment for a couple of days. He is in a stable condition," a source said. The 14th Dalai Lama was here for the past few days for attending a global learning conference that ended on April 6. He returned to Dharamshala from New Delhi on Monday. The Dalai Lama had fled to India in early 1959 to escape from Chinese occupation, and lives in exile in the hill town of Dharamshala. At the event, he had also spoken about ageing and reincarnation, and reiterated that he was the "son of the Nalanda tradition" referring to the rich Buddhist heritage of the Nalanda University in Bihar. China has said the successor to the Dalai Lama must be chosen according to religious rituals and historical conventions as well as the backing from the ruling Communist Party.

Dalai Lama admitted to Delhi hospital with chest infection, condition stable

WION Gravitas: India-China should 'unite' like European Union, says Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama contemplates Chinese gambit after his death

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-has-suspended-oil-exports-to-india-russia-and-china-main-destinations-azerbaijan-energy-ministry-204333">Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry</a>

Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-building-in-brussels-evacuated-over-bomb-threat-204327">European Union building in Brussels evacuated over bomb threat</a>

Police today evacuated the European Union (EU) building in Brussels over a phone call threatening to blow up the building, reports said.

At least forty people have been evacuated at the EU headquarters, reports added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-building-in-brussels-evacuated-over-bomb-threat-204327">Gathering all details of Utrecht attack: Turkey President Erdogan</a>

Turkish intelligence services are investigating the gun attack in the Netherlands to determine whether it was a terror attack or a possible family dispute, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reincarnation-of-the-dalai-lama-should-follow-national-rules-china-204287">Video: Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow national rules, says China</a>

China Tuesday rejected the Dalai Lama's assertions that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-man-performs-emotional-haka-dance-to-pay-tribute-to-new-zealand-mosque-shooting-victims-204322">Watch: Man performs emotional 'haka dance' to pay tribute to New Zealand mosque shooting victims</a>

New Zealanders have shown a unique way of mourning and paying respects to those killed in horrifying gun attacks on two Christchurch mosques. In the shooting, over 50 people lost their lived on March 15.&nbsp;

Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister.

Venezuela has suspended oil exports to India, Russia and China main destinations: Azerbaijan energy ministry Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, Azerbaijan's energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela's oil minister. European Union building in Brussels evacuated over bomb threat Police today evacuated the European Union (EU) building in Brussels over a phone call threatening to blow up the building, reports said. At least forty people have been evacuated at the EU headquarters, reports added. Gathering all details of Utrecht attack: Turkey President Erdogan Turkish intelligence services are investigating the gun attack in the Netherlands to determine whether it was a terror attack or a possible family dispute, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday. Video: Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow national rules, says China China Tuesday rejected the Dalai Lama's assertions that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government. Watch: Man performs emotional 'haka dance' to pay tribute to New Zealand mosque shooting victims New Zealanders have shown a unique way of mourning and paying respects to those killed in horrifying gun attacks on two Christchurch mosques. In the shooting, over 50 people lost their lived on March 15.

News brief: Big stories of the day

China Tuesday rejected the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-60-years-in-exile-dalai-lamas-still-remembered-in-his-homeland-202992">Dalai Lama's assertions</a> that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government.

China's response came after the 83-year-old Nobel peace laureate told a news agency on Monday that it was possible that once he dies his incarnation could be found in India and&nbsp;warned that any other successor named by China would not be respected.

"Reincarnation is the unique way of Tibetan Buddhism. It has fixed rituals and systems," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters when asked about remarks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dalai-lama-celebrates-83rd-birthday-china-restricts-celebrations-in-tibet-149501">by the Dalai Lama</a>, who fled to India from Tibet in 1959.

"The Chinese government has policy of freedom of religious belief. We have regulation on religious affairs and regulation on the reincarnation system in Tibetan Buddhism. We respect and protect such ways of Tibetan Buddhism," Geng said.

Dalai Lama is a title given to spiritual leaders of Tibetan people. This title is given to those who are considered among the most important monks of the Gelug school, the newest school of Tibetan Buddhism.

Born in 1935, the current Dalai Lama was identified as the reincarnation of his predecessor when he was just two years old.

"The reincarnation system has been there for hundreds of years. The 14th Dalai has also been recognised in the religious rituals and was approved by the central government. So the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow the national rules and regulations and the religious rituals," Geng said.

Amidst the Tibetan uprising in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to India in March that year to escape a Chinese crackdown in his Himalayan abode.

China Tuesday rejected the Dalai Lama's assertions that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government.

China Tuesday rejected the Dalai Lama's assertions that his successor could be from India and a nominee by Beijing would not be respected, saying the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has to be approved by the Communist government. China's response came after the 83-year-old Nobel peace laureate told a news agency on Monday that it was possible that once he dies his incarnation could be found in India and warned that any other successor named by China would not be respected. "Reincarnation is the unique way of Tibetan Buddhism. It has fixed rituals and systems," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters when asked about remarks by the Dalai Lama, who fled to India from Tibet in 1959. "The Chinese government has policy of freedom of religious belief. We have regulation on religious affairs and regulation on the reincarnation system in Tibetan Buddhism. We respect and protect such ways of Tibetan Buddhism," Geng said. Dalai Lama is a title given to spiritual leaders of Tibetan people. This title is given to those who are considered among the most important monks of the Gelug school, the newest school of Tibetan Buddhism. Born in 1935, the current Dalai Lama was identified as the reincarnation of his predecessor when he was just two years old. "The reincarnation system has been there for hundreds of years. The 14th Dalai has also been recognised in the religious rituals and was approved by the central government. So the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow the national rules and regulations and the religious rituals," Geng said. Amidst the Tibetan uprising in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to India in March that year to escape a Chinese crackdown in his Himalayan abode.

Video: Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow national rules, says China

In snub to China, Dalai Lama says his successor may be from India

It may have been six decades since the Dalai Lama fled into exile, but in the isolated mountain hamlet where he was born, he remains very much on the minds of devotees and Chinese authorities alike.

On the northeastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, Taktser, in Qinghai province, where the Dalai Lama was born in 1935 to parents who farmed buckwheat and barley, is a magnet to worshippers and foreign tourists - and security personnel.

During a recent Reuters visit to Taktser, known in Chinese as Hongya, police armed with automatic weapons blocked the winding road leading into the village of some 60 houses.

Police and more than a dozen plain-clothed officials who declined to identify themselves refused Reuters entry, saying the village was private and not open to the public.&nbsp; 
The Qinghai government and China`s State Council Information Office, which doubles as the Communist Party`s spokesman`s office, did not respond to requests for comment.

Beijing views the Nobel Peace Prize laureate as a dangerous separatist and has denounced the 83-year-old spiritual leader as a "wolf in monk`s robes". The Dalai Lama denies espousing violence and says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet.

Many of China`s more than 6 million Tibetans still venerate the Dalai Lama, despite government prohibitions on displays of his picture or any public display of devotion. 
This Sunday marks 60 years since the Dalai Lama, disguised as a soldier, fled the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, after rumours that Chinese troops were planning his abduction or assassination fomented an abortive popular uprising.

The Dalai Lama crossed into India two weeks later, and has not set foot in Tibet since.&nbsp;

Despite the passage of time, during sensitive political anniversaries China`s security apparatus routinely restricts access to the village where the Dalai Lama`s old family is located, behind a pair of wooden doors and high concrete walls.

`IN YOUR HEART`

One 29-year-old Tibetan man in the largely ethnic Tibetan town of Rebkong, set in a precipitous valley in Qinghai with a large monastery adorned in rich colours, enthusiastically recounted to Reuters his pilgrimage to Taktser years ago.&nbsp;

He said Tibetans were well aware of the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Dalai Lama`s exile, even if public commemorations of any sort were banned.&nbsp;

"You can only bury it in your heart, we just don`t speak about it," he said, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.&nbsp;

"We have no ability to go against politics, we can only just go with society."

Born Lhamo Thondup, the Dalai Lama was just two years old when identified by a search party as the new incarnation of Tibet`s most important spiritual leader, and was whisked from the family home to live in Lhasa.

The anniversary of his escape over the mountains into exile in India is one of several politically sensitive dates in China this year, including the 30th anniversary of the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square in June, that the ruling Communist Party wants to ensure passes without controversy.

Speaking on the sidelines of China`s annual meeting of parliament this month, Tibet`s Communist Party chief Wu Yingjie said the Tibetan people felt greater affection toward the government than the Dalai Lama, who "hasn`t done a single good thing for the people of Tibet".

As the Dalai Lama ages, many Tibetans fear that Beijing will simply appoint its own replacement.&nbsp;

The Dalai Lama has suggested that his incarnation might be found outside Chinese-controlled territory, or that the centuries-old Dalai Lama institution could die with him.&nbsp;

It may have been six decades since the Dalai Lama fled into exile, but in the isolated mountain hamlet where he was born, he remains very much on the minds of devotees and Chinese authorities alike.

It may have been six decades since the Dalai Lama fled into exile, but in the isolated mountain hamlet where he was born, he remains very much on the minds of devotees and Chinese authorities alike. On the northeastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, Taktser, in Qinghai province, where the Dalai Lama was born in 1935 to parents who farmed buckwheat and barley, is a magnet to worshippers and foreign tourists - and security personnel. During a recent Reuters visit to Taktser, known in Chinese as Hongya, police armed with automatic weapons blocked the winding road leading into the village of some 60 houses. Police and more than a dozen plain-clothed officials who declined to identify themselves refused Reuters entry, saying the village was private and not open to the public. The Qinghai government and China`s State Council Information Office, which doubles as the Communist Party`s spokesman`s office, did not respond to requests for comment. Beijing views the Nobel Peace Prize laureate as a dangerous separatist and has denounced the 83-year-old spiritual leader as a "wolf in monk`s robes". The Dalai Lama denies espousing violence and says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet. Many of China`s more than 6 million Tibetans still venerate the Dalai Lama, despite government prohibitions on displays of his picture or any public display of devotion. This Sunday marks 60 years since the Dalai Lama, disguised as a soldier, fled the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, after rumours that Chinese troops were planning his abduction or assassination fomented an abortive popular uprising. The Dalai Lama crossed into India two weeks later, and has not set foot in Tibet since. Despite the passage of time, during sensitive political anniversaries China`s security apparatus routinely restricts access to the village where the Dalai Lama`s old family is located, behind a pair of wooden doors and high concrete walls. `IN YOUR HEART` One 29-year-old Tibetan man in the largely ethnic Tibetan town of Rebkong, set in a precipitous valley in Qinghai with a large monastery adorned in rich colours, enthusiastically recounted to Reuters his pilgrimage to Taktser years ago. He said Tibetans were well aware of the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Dalai Lama`s exile, even if public commemorations of any sort were banned. "You can only bury it in your heart, we just don`t speak about it," he said, declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter. "We have no ability to go against politics, we can only just go with society." Born Lhamo Thondup, the Dalai Lama was just two years old when identified by a search party as the new incarnation of Tibet`s most important spiritual leader, and was whisked from the family home to live in Lhasa. The anniversary of his escape over the mountains into exile in India is one of several politically sensitive dates in China this year, including the 30th anniversary of the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Tiananmen Square in June, that the ruling Communist Party wants to ensure passes without controversy. Speaking on the sidelines of China`s annual meeting of parliament this month, Tibet`s Communist Party chief Wu Yingjie said the Tibetan people felt greater affection toward the government than the Dalai Lama, who "hasn`t done a single good thing for the people of Tibet". As the Dalai Lama ages, many Tibetans fear that Beijing will simply appoint its own replacement. The Dalai Lama has suggested that his incarnation might be found outside Chinese-controlled territory, or that the centuries-old Dalai Lama institution could die with him.

After 60 years in exile, Dalai Lama's still remembered in his homeland

The Chinese government in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/resolutely-opposed-to-us-legislation-on-tibet-china-185578">Tibet said it will boost numbers</a> and cut waiting times for foreign tourists visiting the highly restricted region, amid renewed pressure from the United States for greater access for US officials and journalists.

US President Donald Trump had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-demands-access-for-us-diplomats-journalists-to-tibet-threatening-to-bar-chinese-officials-183865">signed into law the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act</a> in December, which seeks to press China to open the region by denying US entry for officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet.

Beijing denounced the law at the time as interference in China's internal affairs, risking "serious harm" to ties with Washington.

China and the United States are engaged in talks to try to hammer out a deal to end a festering trade dispute that has threatened to sour the relationship across the board, including on issues such as security, influence and human rights.

The Tibetan government will shorten the time required for foreign tourists to gain access to the region by half and boost numbers by fifty per cent, Qizhala, chairman of the regional government, said in an annual work report published by the official Tibet Daily newspaper on Friday.

Non-Chinese visitors must apply for a special permit to travel to remote, mountainous Tibet, which is usually granted for tourists provided they travel with approved tour companies but rarely for journalists and diplomats.

Beijing has ruled Tibet with an iron fist since Chinese Communist Party troops marched into the region in 1950 in what it terms a "peaceful liberation".

Qizhala also pledged that the government in Tibet would "take a clear-cut stance in the fight against the Dalai clique", a reference to exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

"We must improve the monastery management and service mechanisms to defend the bottom line of Tibetan Buddhism not being manipulated by foreign forces," he said, and management of religious activities must prevent another "upsurge" of religion.

Rights groups and overseas activists say ethnic Tibetans face widespread restrictions under Chinese rule and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in June conditions were "fast deteriorating".

This year marks the 60th anniversary of a Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule in 1959. Supporters of Tibetan independence and of the Dalai Lama have staged protests in the past to mark the uprising's anniversary, angering China.

China views the Dalai Lama, Tibet's Buddhist spiritual leader who fled into exile in India after the failed uprising, as a dangerous separatist.

The Nobel Peace laureate denies espousing violence and says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet.

The Chinese government in Tibet said it will boost numbers and cut waiting times for foreign tourists visiting the highly restricted region, amid renewed pressure from the United States for greater access for US officials and journalists.

The Chinese government in Tibet said it will boost numbers and cut waiting times for foreign tourists visiting the highly restricted region, amid renewed pressure from the United States for greater access for US officials and journalists. US President Donald Trump had signed into law the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act in December, which seeks to press China to open the region by denying US entry for officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet. Beijing denounced the law at the time as interference in China's internal affairs, risking "serious harm" to ties with Washington. China and the United States are engaged in talks to try to hammer out a deal to end a festering trade dispute that has threatened to sour the relationship across the board, including on issues such as security, influence and human rights. The Tibetan government will shorten the time required for foreign tourists to gain access to the region by half and boost numbers by fifty per cent, Qizhala, chairman of the regional government, said in an annual work report published by the official Tibet Daily newspaper on Friday. Non-Chinese visitors must apply for a special permit to travel to remote, mountainous Tibet, which is usually granted for tourists provided they travel with approved tour companies but rarely for journalists and diplomats. Beijing has ruled Tibet with an iron fist since Chinese Communist Party troops marched into the region in 1950 in what it terms a "peaceful liberation". Qizhala also pledged that the government in Tibet would "take a clear-cut stance in the fight against the Dalai clique", a reference to exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. "We must improve the monastery management and service mechanisms to defend the bottom line of Tibetan Buddhism not being manipulated by foreign forces," he said, and management of religious activities must prevent another "upsurge" of religion. Rights groups and overseas activists say ethnic Tibetans face widespread restrictions under Chinese rule and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in June conditions were "fast deteriorating". This year marks the 60th anniversary of a Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule in 1959. Supporters of Tibetan independence and of the Dalai Lama have staged protests in the past to mark the uprising's anniversary, angering China. China views the Dalai Lama, Tibet's Buddhist spiritual leader who fled into exile in India after the failed uprising, as a dangerous separatist. The Nobel Peace laureate denies espousing violence and says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet.

Amid US pressure, China to cut  waiting time for foreign tourists visiting Tibet

As China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/g20-pm-modi-invites-president-xi-to-india-for-next-informal-summit-180529">India on a four-day visit</a> in the early morning hours on Friday, Tibetan activists put massive banner on the flyover outside the T3 international airport in New Delhi asking China to leave Tibet.

The convoy of the Chinese foreign minister passed through the same route where the banners were put. Wang Yi arrived in India at 1:30 am(IST).

Wang Yi will be meeting external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today and will inaugurate the first India-China high-level media forum.

On Thursday, China in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetans-ready-to-be-part-of-china-if-allowed-to-preserve-culture-dalai-lama-158386">statement had said it "resolutely opposes"</a> President Trump's decision to sign the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. The act allows access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet.

China had annexed Tibet in 1950 leading spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to flee to Dharamsala in India in 1959. In July, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 83rd birthday in &nbsp;Ladakh on the outskirts of Leh. Reports at the time said Chinese authorities had placed restrictions on celebrations of Lama's birthday inside Tibet.

Tibetans in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture were warned against celebration by Beijing, local news reports said even as three people were detained for carrying out activities related to the birthday celebration.

The Chinese foreign minister's visit comes with both government determined to push cultural and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. The decision to establish a "special mechanism" was taken during the "informal" summit between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi in Wuhan.

Wang Yi will also visit Aurangabad and Mumbai and sign MoU's with the Indian government during his visit. The Chinese foreign minister's visit is being seen as a step forward in India-China relations post-Doklam after PM Modi and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to cement ties several times this year during their meetings.

As China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in India on a four-day visit in the early morning hours on Friday, Tibetan activists put massive banner on the flyover outside the T3 international airport in New Delhi asking China to leave Tibet.

As China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in India on a four-day visit in the early morning hours on Friday, Tibetan activists put massive banner on the flyover outside the T3 international airport in New Delhi asking China to leave Tibet. The convoy of the Chinese foreign minister passed through the same route where the banners were put. Wang Yi arrived in India at 1:30 am(IST). Wang Yi will be meeting external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today and will inaugurate the first India-China high-level media forum. On Thursday, China in a statement had said it "resolutely opposes" President Trump's decision to sign the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. The act allows access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet. China had annexed Tibet in 1950 leading spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to flee to Dharamsala in India in 1959. In July, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 83rd birthday in Ladakh on the outskirts of Leh. Reports at the time said Chinese authorities had placed restrictions on celebrations of Lama's birthday inside Tibet. Tibetans in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture were warned against celebration by Beijing, local news reports said even as three people were detained for carrying out activities related to the birthday celebration. The Chinese foreign minister's visit comes with both government determined to push cultural and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. The decision to establish a "special mechanism" was taken during the "informal" summit between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi in Wuhan. Wang Yi will also visit Aurangabad and Mumbai and sign MoU's with the Indian government during his visit. The Chinese foreign minister's visit is being seen as a step forward in India-China relations post-Doklam after PM Modi and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to cement ties several times this year during their meetings.

Video: Tibetan activists protest as Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi arrives in India

The US should express publicly that China needs to engage in a meaningful and direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has told lawmakers, ahead of his visit to Beijing.

In response to written questions from Members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Pompeo said he was committed to press for respect of human rights for Tibetans, including freedom of religion and belief, in his conversations with the Chinese officials, and advocating for the release of Tibetan political prisoners.

Pompeo will visit China tomorrow and will exchange views with his Chinese counterpart on bilateral ties and major global and regional issues of common concern , Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said today.

"I will recommend that the United States express publicly, and at the highest levels of government that Chinese authorities need to engage in meaningful and direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to lower tensions and resolve differences," Pompeo said.

Pompeo said he will also raise concerns about the lack of regular access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) for US journalists, diplomats, academics and others.

The written answers to the questions were submitted by Pompeo as part of his confirmation process. These answers were recently released by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

The top American diplomat assured the lawmakers that he will fully implement the Tibetan Policy Act and in particular "will urge China to cease restrictions on the human rights of Tibetans as well as their religious, linguistic and cultural traditions and practices.

"I will be committed to pressing for respect for human rights, including freedom of religion and belief, in my conversations with Chinese officials, and advocating for the release of Tibetan political prisoners," he said.

On the issue of the Chinese government's interference on religious freedom and the reincarnation process of the Dalai Lama, Pompeo committed himself to "press the Chinese government to respect the legitimacy of Tibetan Buddhists' religious practices. This includes the decisions of Tibetan Buddhists in selecting, educating, and venerating the lamas who lead the faith, such as the Dalai Lama," he said.

In its latest Tibet negotiations report sent to the Congress, the Trump administration said it was concerned by the Chinese government's interference in the selection, education and veneration of Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders.

China says that the successor to the Dalai Lama must be chosen according to the religious rituals and historical conventions as well as the backing from the ruling Communist Party.

Last year, the Chinese foreign ministry said the successor to the Dharamshala-based 14th Dalai Lama must be chosen according to the religious rituals and historical conventions, including drawing of lots from the Golden Urn in front of the Shakyamuni (Buddha) statue at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, followed by the mandatory approval from the ruling Communist Party of China.

Since he fled Tibet in 1959 to escape from the Chinese occupation, the Dalai Lama, 82, has been keeping China on tenterhooks about his successor.&nbsp

Pompeo will visit China tomorrow and will exchange views with his Chinese counterpart on bilateral ties and major global and regional issues of common concern , Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said today

The US should express publicly that China needs to engage in a meaningful and direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has told lawmakers, ahead of his visit to Beijing. In response to written questions from Members of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Pompeo said he was committed to press for respect of human rights for Tibetans, including freedom of religion and belief, in his conversations with the Chinese officials, and advocating for the release of Tibetan political prisoners. Pompeo will visit China tomorrow and will exchange views with his Chinese counterpart on bilateral ties and major global and regional issues of common concern , Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said today. "I will recommend that the United States express publicly, and at the highest levels of government that Chinese authorities need to engage in meaningful and direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without preconditions, to lower tensions and resolve differences," Pompeo said. Pompeo said he will also raise concerns about the lack of regular access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) for US journalists, diplomats, academics and others. The written answers to the questions were submitted by Pompeo as part of his confirmation process. These answers were recently released by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The top American diplomat assured the lawmakers that he will fully implement the Tibetan Policy Act and in particular "will urge China to cease restrictions on the human rights of Tibetans as well as their religious, linguistic and cultural traditions and practices. "I will be committed to pressing for respect for human rights, including freedom of religion and belief, in my conversations with Chinese officials, and advocating for the release of Tibetan political prisoners," he said. On the issue of the Chinese government's interference on religious freedom and the reincarnation process of the Dalai Lama, Pompeo committed himself to "press the Chinese government to respect the legitimacy of Tibetan Buddhists' religious practices. This includes the decisions of Tibetan Buddhists in selecting, educating, and venerating the lamas who lead the faith, such as the Dalai Lama," he said. In its latest Tibet negotiations report sent to the Congress, the Trump administration said it was concerned by the Chinese government's interference in the selection, education and veneration of Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders. China says that the successor to the Dalai Lama must be chosen according to the religious rituals and historical conventions as well as the backing from the ruling Communist Party. Last year, the Chinese foreign ministry said the successor to the Dharamshala-based 14th Dalai Lama must be chosen according to the religious rituals and historical conventions, including drawing of lots from the Golden Urn in front of the Shakyamuni (Buddha) statue at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, followed by the mandatory approval from the ruling Communist Party of China. Since he fled Tibet in 1959 to escape from the Chinese occupation, the Dalai Lama, 82, has been keeping China on tenterhooks about his successor.

US should express China engages in direct dialogue with Dalai Lama: Pompeo

After US Senate passed a resolution on Tibet to defend Tibetan Buddhists, an American diplomat said China remains a troubling country for religious freedom.

Last month the Senate had passed a resolution which sought to protect the "inalienable right" of Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders, including their right to choose a future 15th Dalai Lama.

"Situation for Tibetan Buddhists that continues to be a very difficult situation for them ... For Christians, for Falun Gong practitioners. China remains a very, very troubling country on religious freedom," US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback said.

The move to express solidarity with Tibetan Buddhists was widely welcomed by the &nbspTibetan administration in exile based in Dharamshala. The political head of the exiled administration called it a "powerful message to the international community and to China."

The US Senate's decision was opposed by China who said it amounted to “interfering in China’s internal affairs”.

The US State Department while unveiling the annual report on international religious liberty said China's treatment of Tibetan Buddhists had deteriorated. The report said several Tibetan had resorted to "self-immolations". 
&nbsp

The US State Department while unveiling the annual report on international religious liberty said China's treatment of Tibetan Buddhists had deteriorated.

After US Senate passed a resolution on Tibet to defend Tibetan Buddhists, an American diplomat said China remains a troubling country for religious freedom. Last month the Senate had passed a resolution which sought to protect the "inalienable right" of Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders, including their right to choose a future 15th Dalai Lama. "Situation for Tibetan Buddhists that continues to be a very difficult situation for them ... For Christians, for Falun Gong practitioners. China remains a very, very troubling country on religious freedom," US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback said. The move to express solidarity with Tibetan Buddhists was widely welcomed by the &nbspTibetan administration in exile based in Dharamshala. The political head of the exiled administration called it a "powerful message to the international community and to China." The US Senate's decision was opposed by China who said it amounted to “interfering in China’s internal affairs”. The US State Department while unveiling the annual report on international religious liberty said China's treatment of Tibetan Buddhists had deteriorated. The report said several Tibetan had resorted to "self-immolations".

China remains very troubling country on religious freedom: US

Bollywood superstar, Anushka Sharma turned 30 today and she chose this day as an opportunity to announce a project very close to her heart -- building an animal shelter.

The star who often posts pictures with her labrador 'Dude' will be building the shelter on the outskirts of Mumbai.

In a birthday tweet, she said that she is inspired by the Dalai Lama and wanted to do her bit to give fellow living beings equal rights, equal care and equal love.

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? <a href="https://t.co/CgtI9xS20w">pic.twitter.com/CgtI9xS20w</a>
— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnushkaSharma/status/991191693184544768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">1 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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She wrote, "I'm building an animal shelter just outside Mumbai - a home for those animals that are stranded, left to fend for themselves, have to brave harsh surroundings. A home where they will be cared for, loved, protected and nurtured.

Meanwhile, the Zero&nbsp;star, who recently wrapped the shooting of Sui Dhaaga, is currently accompanying husband Virat Kohli for the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.

Anushka is celebrating her birthday with husband Virat Kohli in Bengaluru, where Virat will be playing his IPL match against the Mumbai team today

Bollywood superstar, Anushka Sharma turned 30 today and she chose this day as an opportunity to announce a project very close to her heart -- building an animal shelter. The star who often posts pictures with her labrador 'Dude' will be building the shelter on the outskirts of Mumbai. In a birthday tweet, she said that she is inspired by the Dalai Lama and wanted to do her bit to give fellow living beings equal rights, equal care and equal love. ? pic.twitter.com/CgtI9xS20w — Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) 1 May 2018 × She wrote, "I'm building an animal shelter just outside Mumbai - a home for those animals that are stranded, left to fend for themselves, have to brave harsh surroundings. A home where they will be cared for, loved, protected and nurtured. Meanwhile, the Zero star, who recently wrapped the shooting of Sui Dhaaga, is currently accompanying husband Virat Kohli for the Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament.

Anushka Sharma, on 30th birthday, says she's building animal shelter

The United States on Thursday urged China to respect the human rights and religious freedom of the people of Tibet.&nbsp

A resolution in this regard was passed by the US Senate, which among other issues, addresses the right of the Tibetan Buddhists to determine their own leadership, including the future 15th Dalai Lama, without any interference from the Chinese government.

The resolution was introduced by Senators Patrick Leahy, Dianne Feinstein, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.&nbsp

"We stand by the Tibetan people, who have long been our unwavering friends," Senator Leahy said.&nbsp

"We also stand by the rights of Tibetan Buddhists, not just in Tibet but around the world, who should be able to determine their own religious leadership in accordance with their inalienable right to religious freedom," he said.

The US Senate unanimously affirmed its support for the Tibetan people's fundamental human rights and freedoms, including their right to self-determination and protection of their distinct identity.&nbsp

It said the Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders should be determined solely within the Tibetan Buddhist community.

The Senate also commemorated the 59th anniversary of Tibet's 1959 uprising against the Chinese rule as "Tibetan Rights Day", and called on the US Secretary of State to implement fully the provisions of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002.

Congressmen Jim McGovern and Randy Hultgren have introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.&nbsp

'We also stand by the rights of Tibetan Buddhists, not just in Tibet but around the world, who should be able to determine their own religious leadership in accordance with their inalienable right to religious freedom' Senator Patrick Leahy said

The United States on Thursday urged China to respect the human rights and religious freedom of the people of Tibet. A resolution in this regard was passed by the US Senate, which among other issues, addresses the right of the Tibetan Buddhists to determine their own leadership, including the future 15th Dalai Lama, without any interference from the Chinese government. The resolution was introduced by Senators Patrick Leahy, Dianne Feinstein, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio. "We stand by the Tibetan people, who have long been our unwavering friends," Senator Leahy said. "We also stand by the rights of Tibetan Buddhists, not just in Tibet but around the world, who should be able to determine their own religious leadership in accordance with their inalienable right to religious freedom," he said. The US Senate unanimously affirmed its support for the Tibetan people's fundamental human rights and freedoms, including their right to self-determination and protection of their distinct identity. It said the Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders should be determined solely within the Tibetan Buddhist community. The Senate also commemorated the 59th anniversary of Tibet's 1959 uprising against the Chinese rule as "Tibetan Rights Day", and called on the US Secretary of State to implement fully the provisions of the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002. Congressmen Jim McGovern and Randy Hultgren have introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

US asks China to respect human rights, religious freedom of Tibetan people

By: Siddhant Sibbal

In what seems to be blessings by his holiness Dalai Lama, the Tibetian spiritual leader has said that Modi-Xi talks are a welcome step. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dalai Lama said "use of force is outdated. Must meet people and talk. Realistically speaking neither India&nbsp;nor China can destroy each other. You have to live side by side."&nbsp;He was speaking at IIT Delhi.

The Indian Prime minister will be meeting President of China Xi Jinping in Wuhan for an informal summit on 26th and 27th.&nbsp;The informal summit will see no joint statement or communique being issued and both the leaders will have "strategic conversation" on larger and broader issues.

Dalai Lama's comments matter more since in recent months advisory has been issued by MEA for restricting officials to interact with him. New Delhi has been trying to assuage some of China's concerns about Dalai Lama. Events marking his exile had been shifted to Dharamshala from New Delhi.

Speaking at the same event Dalai Lama lauded India's religious harmony and said India is an example of how all&nbsp;religions&nbsp;can stay in peace. He also added that Tibet has the right to preserve its own language and culture while staying in China.

Dalai Lama has been a thorny issue for China and Bejing has been vocal about it and even taking strict action against countries hosting him.&nbsp;But his presence in India is an irritant to Bejing and a reminder that its control over Tibet will always be questioned.

The Indian Prime minister will be meeting President of China Xi Jinping in Wuhan for an informal summit on 26th and 27th

By: Siddhant Sibbal In what seems to be blessings by his holiness Dalai Lama, the Tibetian spiritual leader has said that Modi-Xi talks are a welcome step. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dalai Lama said "use of force is outdated. Must meet people and talk. Realistically speaking neither India nor China can destroy each other. You have to live side by side." He was speaking at IIT Delhi. The Indian Prime minister will be meeting President of China Xi Jinping in Wuhan for an informal summit on 26th and 27th. The informal summit will see no joint statement or communique being issued and both the leaders will have "strategic conversation" on larger and broader issues. Dalai Lama's comments matter more since in recent months advisory has been issued by MEA for restricting officials to interact with him. New Delhi has been trying to assuage some of China's concerns about Dalai Lama. Events marking his exile had been shifted to Dharamshala from New Delhi. Speaking at the same event Dalai Lama lauded India's religious harmony and said India is an example of how all religions can stay in peace. He also added that Tibet has the right to preserve its own language and culture while staying in China. Dalai Lama has been a thorny issue for China and Bejing has been vocal about it and even taking strict action against countries hosting him. But his presence in India is an irritant to Bejing and a reminder that its control over Tibet will always be questioned.

Dalai Lama gives his blessing to 'Modi-Xi' meet

Days after the Tibetians highlighted the increased repression of the Chinese government on Tibet in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetan-national-uprising-day-begins-with-protests-against-chinese-suppression-35332">National Uprising day</a>, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama claimed on Sunday that Tibet can remain in China, only if Beijing recognised and respected the region's distinct culture and autonomy.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetans-only-seeking-certain-rights-mentioned-in-chinese-constitution-dalai-lama-to-wion-127543">Tibetans only seeking 'certain rights' mentioned in Chinese constitution: Dalai Lama to WION</a>

The Dalai Lama said &nbsp;"Historically and culturally, Tibet has been independent. China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called a 'peaceful liberation'. So, as long as the Constitution of China recognises our culture and Tibetan autonomous region's special history, it (Tibet) can remain there."

&nbsp;Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-is-the-dalai-lama-letting-down-the-tibetan-people-128576">Opinion: Is the Dalai Lama letting down the Tibetan people?</a>

Dalai Lama was speaking at a lecture on 'Role of Ethics and Culture in Promoting Global Peace and Harmony' in New Delhi.

Tibetans recently staged protests in parts of India and outside the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland highlighting the suppression of Tibetans by China.

Over 150 Tibetans have self-immolated themselves since 2009 due to the repressive policies of the Chinese government, reports suggest.&nbsp;

The Dalai Lama, along with his followers, fled to India in 1959 after the invasion of Tibet by China.

While the Dalai Lama has time and again backed&nbsp;the idea of&nbsp; "One China",&nbsp;China calls the 82-year-old Buddhist monk a "separatist",&nbsp;seeking to secede Tibet from China.&nbsp;

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Discussions on how to include ancient Indian traditions in educational system should begin. India has the ability to combine modern education with its ancient traditions to help solve problems in the world: Dalai Lama in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/LJBx90Tqil">pic.twitter.com/LJBx90Tqil</a>
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The Dalai Lama said 'Historically and culturally, Tibet has been independent. China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called a 'peaceful liberation'. So, as long as the Constitution of China recognises our culture and Tibetan autonomous region's special history, it (Tibet) can remain there'

Days after the Tibetians highlighted the increased repression of the Chinese government on Tibet in the National Uprising day, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama claimed on Sunday that Tibet can remain in China, only if Beijing recognised and respected the region's distinct culture and autonomy. Also read: Tibetans only seeking 'certain rights' mentioned in Chinese constitution: Dalai Lama to WION The Dalai Lama said "Historically and culturally, Tibet has been independent. China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called a 'peaceful liberation'. So, as long as the Constitution of China recognises our culture and Tibetan autonomous region's special history, it (Tibet) can remain there." Also read: Opinion: Is the Dalai Lama letting down the Tibetan people? Dalai Lama was speaking at a lecture on 'Role of Ethics and Culture in Promoting Global Peace and Harmony' in New Delhi. Tibetans recently staged protests in parts of India and outside the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland highlighting the suppression of Tibetans by China. Over 150 Tibetans have self-immolated themselves since 2009 due to the repressive policies of the Chinese government, reports suggest. The Dalai Lama, along with his followers, fled to India in 1959 after the invasion of Tibet by China. While the Dalai Lama has time and again backed the idea of "One China", China calls the 82-year-old Buddhist monk a "separatist", seeking to secede Tibet from China. Discussions on how to include ancient Indian traditions in educational system should begin. India has the ability to combine modern education with its ancient traditions to help solve problems in the world: Dalai Lama in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/LJBx90Tqil — ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2018 ×

Can remain part of China only if it recognises Tibet's culture: Dalai Lama

Welcoming the upcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said the two countries do not have the ability to destroy each other and they have to live side by side since they are neighbours.

The Dalai Lama made these remarks while delivering a convocation lecture at Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in New Delhi.

"I always insist, neither China nor India has ability to destroy (each) other. We have to live side by side, then (it is) much better to live friendly," the 82-year-old Tibetan spiritual head said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to be held in Wuhan city of central China on April 27 and 28.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed the development in a joint press conference, which he addressed along with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday.

While answering a question on autonomy, he hinted that if China accepts their demand, exiled Tibetans may choose to live over there.

In China, Buddhist population is 400 million and many Chinese Buddhists are now already showing interest in Tibetan Buddhism, he said.

The Dalai Lama further called upon educationists to make policies regarding the inclusion of the ancient knowledge of the Indian traditions into the academic curriculum while saying, "some state (could) start it at an experimental level and then we will see."

The Dalai Lama along with his followers fled to India from Tibet in 1959 after a massive uprising failed against the Chinese forces.&nbsp

While answering a question on autonomy, Dalai Lama hinted that if China accepts their demand, exiled Tibetans may choose to live over there

Welcoming the upcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said the two countries do not have the ability to destroy each other and they have to live side by side since they are neighbours. The Dalai Lama made these remarks while delivering a convocation lecture at Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management in New Delhi. "I always insist, neither China nor India has ability to destroy (each) other. We have to live side by side, then (it is) much better to live friendly," the 82-year-old Tibetan spiritual head said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to be held in Wuhan city of central China on April 27 and 28. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed the development in a joint press conference, which he addressed along with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday. While answering a question on autonomy, he hinted that if China accepts their demand, exiled Tibetans may choose to live over there. In China, Buddhist population is 400 million and many Chinese Buddhists are now already showing interest in Tibetan Buddhism, he said. The Dalai Lama further called upon educationists to make policies regarding the inclusion of the ancient knowledge of the Indian traditions into the academic curriculum while saying, "some state (could) start it at an experimental level and then we will see." The Dalai Lama along with his followers fled to India from Tibet in 1959 after a massive uprising failed against the Chinese forces.

Dalai Lama welcomes Modi-Xi informal summit

Just days after India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited China, the foreign ministry said India and China should foster a "more positive energy and expand to new cooperation fields".

India and China have been testing each other's strength at the border post-Doklam with reports of constant Chinese incursion into Indian territory along the Line of Control(LAC).

China's latest move comes after Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held talks with the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval last Friday.&nbsp;

"China and India share extensive common interests and have a huge potential for cooperation. China attaches great importance to its relationship with India," the foreign ministry said.

The two countries also held the fifth meeting of the China-India Strategic Economic Dialogue in Beijing last Saturday.

"Our two sides should foster a more positive energy and expand to new cooperation fields in order to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua said.

China has reportedly developed military infrastructure along the LAC with India setting sights on improving its own defense in the area although India and China haven't exchanged fire since 1962 but both forces have been keeping a keen eye on each other as Arunachal Pradesh and other areas have become the latest flashpoints in India-China relations.

China's latest move comes after Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held talks with the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval last Friday.

Just days after India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited China, the foreign ministry said India and China should foster a "more positive energy and expand to new cooperation fields". India and China have been testing each other's strength at the border post-Doklam with reports of constant Chinese incursion into Indian territory along the Line of Control(LAC). China's latest move comes after Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held talks with the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval last Friday. "China and India share extensive common interests and have a huge potential for cooperation. China attaches great importance to its relationship with India," the foreign ministry said. The two countries also held the fifth meeting of the China-India Strategic Economic Dialogue in Beijing last Saturday. "Our two sides should foster a more positive energy and expand to new cooperation fields in order to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua said. China has reportedly developed military infrastructure along the LAC with India setting sights on improving its own defense in the area although India and China haven't exchanged fire since 1962 but both forces have been keeping a keen eye on each other as Arunachal Pradesh and other areas have become the latest flashpoints in India-China relations.

Watch: China attaches great importance to its relationship with India, says Chinese foreign ministry

For decades, Tibetans living in exile across the globe fought what they thought was a “freedom struggle”. Sixty years down the line, it is a “karmic design” which they seem to be banking upon to get back to their homeland.

With China asserting itself like never before, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking about Tibetans “not seeking separation” from China but only “<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetans-only-seeking-certain-rights-mentioned-in-chinese-constitution-dalai-lama-to-wion-127543">certain rights</a>” to enable Tibetans to preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition, Tibetans who have grown up on ideas of a "free Tibet" now find themselves in a quandary.

The Tibetans' belief that since two of the three dreams seen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came true, the third one will true too, is what appears to be lending more hope to the exiled community than the idea of a “freedom struggle”.

In the first dream, the Dalai Lama saw bloodshed. The Tibetans believe that this dream became a reality after 81,000 Tibetans were killed between March and September 1959 and a million Tibetans died during the Chinese invasion and occupation.

In the second dream, His Holiness saw that he was meeting with people wearing white clothing. After arriving in India, the Dalai Lama met with the likes of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first President Rajendra Prasad — both of whom used to wear white kurtas. So the Tibetans believe that the second dream came true as well.

But it is the third dream which gives the Tibetans the most hope. In that, the Dalai Lama saw himself in a room “filled with light” in the Potala Palace in Lhasa and being reunited with Tibetans inside Tibet.

“Because the first two dreams came true, by karmic design, the third dream will also come true,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, told a massive gathering of Tibetans in the picturesque hill township of McLeodganj last week.

“Let us reunite Dalai Lama with Tibetans inside Tibet,” Sangay, the Dalai Lama's political successor, said, asking the Tibetans to rededicate themselves and their efforts to making the dream of the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace a reality.

The fact that the Tibetan cause has got watered down from a freedom struggle to autonomy over the years has not gone unnoticed.

Tibetans living in exile across the globe are observing 2018 as “Thank You India” year. This, they say, is an expression of their gratitude towards a country which not only gave them shelter but also helped keep their “freedom struggle”, their “movement” alive for six decades.

McLeodganj — the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile — in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is not called “Little Lhasa” for nothing. This town has been not only a home away from home for the Tibetans-in-exile. It has also been a launchpad to hopefully return the exiled Tibetans to their homeland some day.

So when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says that at a “practical level”, the Tibetans are “not seeking separation” from China and that their “elected political leadership” is committed to this stance, don't the Tibetans have reason to feel let down? Even if they do, the Tibetans do well to hide it. Given the stature His Holiness enjoys, it is difficult to find a Tibetan voice dissenting with the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama says that while remaining within the People's Republic of China, Tibetans should have certain rights enshrined in the Chinese Constitution so that Tibetans can preserve their language, culture, and traditions. It's anybody's guess how generations of Tibetans who were brought up on dreams of a Free Tibet would feel about this.

In “practical” terms, the spiritual leader probably realises that this is the best bargain he can secure from an increasingly-assertive China.

But the tone and tenor adopted by the political leadership of the Tibetan movement could make one believe that the idea of complete freedom has not been given up. Yet.

At the main event to commence the year-long “Thank You India” celebrations, Dr Lobsang Sangay minced no words in detailing “60 years of China's illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet”, “60 years of destruction of Tibetan civilisation, culture and identity”, “60 years of killing, arbitrary arrests and tortures”, “60 years of China's mass exploitation of our precious natural resources... our forests, our water and our glaciers”, and “60 years of tragedy, 60 years of suffering, 60 years of sadness and 60 years of pain”.

Sangay also lent a completely new dimension to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make In India” programme by saying that the “original Make In India is the Tibetan movement”.

“Tibetans were born and brought up in India. They were educated in India. Our democracy replicates Indian democracy. Our philosophy of ahimsa comes from Indian philosophy. And the Tibetan cause is being rebuilt in India for the last 60 years,” Sangay said. “The original Made in India will also succeed. Your success will be our success, our success will be your success,” the Tibetan leader said addressing India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharrma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav.

No separation from China? &nbsp;And the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace, even as it continues to be under Chinese occupation? Will the 1.28 lakh Tibetans-in-exile ever amenably settle for that? That is the question that needs immediate answering.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Dalai Lama says Tibet no longer seeks freedom from China, only autonomy. His people disagree with him

For decades, Tibetans living in exile across the globe fought what they thought was a “freedom struggle”. Sixty years down the line, it is a “karmic design” which they seem to be banking upon to get back to their homeland. With China asserting itself like never before, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama talking about Tibetans “not seeking separation” from China but only “certain rights” to enable Tibetans to preserve their culture, language and rich Buddhist tradition, Tibetans who have grown up on ideas of a "free Tibet" now find themselves in a quandary. The Tibetans' belief that since two of the three dreams seen by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came true, the third one will true too, is what appears to be lending more hope to the exiled community than the idea of a “freedom struggle”. In the first dream, the Dalai Lama saw bloodshed. The Tibetans believe that this dream became a reality after 81,000 Tibetans were killed between March and September 1959 and a million Tibetans died during the Chinese invasion and occupation. In the second dream, His Holiness saw that he was meeting with people wearing white clothing. After arriving in India, the Dalai Lama met with the likes of India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and first President Rajendra Prasad — both of whom used to wear white kurtas. So the Tibetans believe that the second dream came true as well. But it is the third dream which gives the Tibetans the most hope. In that, the Dalai Lama saw himself in a room “filled with light” in the Potala Palace in Lhasa and being reunited with Tibetans inside Tibet. “Because the first two dreams came true, by karmic design, the third dream will also come true,” Dr Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, told a massive gathering of Tibetans in the picturesque hill township of McLeodganj last week. “Let us reunite Dalai Lama with Tibetans inside Tibet,” Sangay, the Dalai Lama's political successor, said, asking the Tibetans to rededicate themselves and their efforts to making the dream of the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace a reality. The fact that the Tibetan cause has got watered down from a freedom struggle to autonomy over the years has not gone unnoticed. Tibetans living in exile across the globe are observing 2018 as “Thank You India” year. This, they say, is an expression of their gratitude towards a country which not only gave them shelter but also helped keep their “freedom struggle”, their “movement” alive for six decades. McLeodganj — the seat of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile — in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is not called “Little Lhasa” for nothing. This town has been not only a home away from home for the Tibetans-in-exile. It has also been a launchpad to hopefully return the exiled Tibetans to their homeland some day. So when His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama says that at a “practical level”, the Tibetans are “not seeking separation” from China and that their “elected political leadership” is committed to this stance, don't the Tibetans have reason to feel let down? Even if they do, the Tibetans do well to hide it. Given the stature His Holiness enjoys, it is difficult to find a Tibetan voice dissenting with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama says that while remaining within the People's Republic of China, Tibetans should have certain rights enshrined in the Chinese Constitution so that Tibetans can preserve their language, culture, and traditions. It's anybody's guess how generations of Tibetans who were brought up on dreams of a Free Tibet would feel about this. In “practical” terms, the spiritual leader probably realises that this is the best bargain he can secure from an increasingly-assertive China. But the tone and tenor adopted by the political leadership of the Tibetan movement could make one believe that the idea of complete freedom has not been given up. Yet. At the main event to commence the year-long “Thank You India” celebrations, Dr Lobsang Sangay minced no words in detailing “60 years of China's illegal invasion and occupation of Tibet”, “60 years of destruction of Tibetan civilisation, culture and identity”, “60 years of killing, arbitrary arrests and tortures”, “60 years of China's mass exploitation of our precious natural resources... our forests, our water and our glaciers”, and “60 years of tragedy, 60 years of suffering, 60 years of sadness and 60 years of pain”. Sangay also lent a completely new dimension to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Make In India” programme by saying that the “original Make In India is the Tibetan movement”. “Tibetans were born and brought up in India. They were educated in India. Our democracy replicates Indian democracy. Our philosophy of ahimsa comes from Indian philosophy. And the Tibetan cause is being rebuilt in India for the last 60 years,” Sangay said. “The original Made in India will also succeed. Your success will be our success, our success will be your success,” the Tibetan leader said addressing India's Culture Minister Mahesh Sharrma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav. No separation from China? And the Dalai Lama's return to the Potala Palace, even as it continues to be under Chinese occupation? Will the 1.28 lakh Tibetans-in-exile ever amenably settle for that? That is the question that needs immediate answering. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Is the Dalai Lama letting down the Tibetan people? 

On a day that marked the beginning of the 60th year of his first setting foot on Indian soil, spiritual leader Dalai Lama said that the Tibetans were not seeking separation from the People’s Republic of China but were only seeking “certain rights” mentioned in the Chinese constitution, including Tibetan autonomy “to preserve their own culture”.

Dalai Lama spoke to World Is One News (WION) on the sidelines of the “Thank You India” programme organized in the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj in Dharamshala.

“I don’t know,” is what the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet said when asked as to by when he thought that the exiled Tibetans would be able to return to their homeland. “I think the Tibetan issue is of justice. Also, now at a practical level we are not seeking separation (from China). Our elected political leadership is also committed to that we are not seeking separation,” the Dalai Lama added.

The spiritual leader, an ambassador or peace the world over and revered by millions, said that Tibetans should have the rights they require to preserve their identity and culture. “While remaining within the People's Republic of China, we should have certain rights mentioned in the Chinese Constitution, including Tibetan autonomy. Chinese constitution itself recognizes these rights. So these entire Tibetan areas should have same rights to preserve their own culture including language and rich Buddhist tradition,” he told WION.

When asked as to what he thought about India’s equation with China and where did the Tibetans figure in that equation, the Dalai Lama said, “Logically, India and China are most populated nations. Any sensible person would want Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai at practical level to live together. Both India and China cannot destroy each other. So you have to live side by side, the two nations need to think reasonably.” He added that there “are some sort of problems…border problems” and those can only be solved “through talks and not by weapons”.&nbsp;

“Through weapons ,you can kill a few hundred people…that won’t solve the problem,” the Tibetan leader said.

Central Tibetan Administration’s President Dr Lobsang Sangay told WION that the Tibetan struggle was one of the best example of “Make In India” and that the success of the Tibetan struggle will be India’s success story. 
Tibetans are celebrating the year 2018 as “Thank You India” year to express their gratitude towards India for not just having sheltered exiled Tibetans on its soil but for also having stood by the Tibetan “cause”.

These celebrations got mired in controversy after the Indian government issued an advisory to its senior bureaucrats asking them to maintain a distance from these programmes. The “Thank You India” event that was finally held in Dharamshala today was originally slated to take place in New Delhi and had to be moved out at the insistence of the Indian government. 
The Indian government, meanwhile, tried to salvage the situation by dispatching Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav to attend today’s event.

Dalai Lama spoke to World Is One News (WION) on the sidelines of the “Thank You India” programme organized in the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj in Dharamshala.

On a day that marked the beginning of the 60th year of his first setting foot on Indian soil, spiritual leader Dalai Lama said that the Tibetans were not seeking separation from the People’s Republic of China but were only seeking “certain rights” mentioned in the Chinese constitution, including Tibetan autonomy “to preserve their own culture”. Dalai Lama spoke to World Is One News (WION) on the sidelines of the “Thank You India” programme organized in the Tsuglagkhang temple in McLeodganj in Dharamshala. “I don’t know,” is what the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet said when asked as to by when he thought that the exiled Tibetans would be able to return to their homeland. “I think the Tibetan issue is of justice. Also, now at a practical level we are not seeking separation (from China). Our elected political leadership is also committed to that we are not seeking separation,” the Dalai Lama added. The spiritual leader, an ambassador or peace the world over and revered by millions, said that Tibetans should have the rights they require to preserve their identity and culture. “While remaining within the People's Republic of China, we should have certain rights mentioned in the Chinese Constitution, including Tibetan autonomy. Chinese constitution itself recognizes these rights. So these entire Tibetan areas should have same rights to preserve their own culture including language and rich Buddhist tradition,” he told WION. When asked as to what he thought about India’s equation with China and where did the Tibetans figure in that equation, the Dalai Lama said, “Logically, India and China are most populated nations. Any sensible person would want Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai at practical level to live together. Both India and China cannot destroy each other. So you have to live side by side, the two nations need to think reasonably.” He added that there “are some sort of problems…border problems” and those can only be solved “through talks and not by weapons”. “Through weapons ,you can kill a few hundred people…that won’t solve the problem,” the Tibetan leader said. Central Tibetan Administration’s President Dr Lobsang Sangay told WION that the Tibetan struggle was one of the best example of “Make In India” and that the success of the Tibetan struggle will be India’s success story. Tibetans are celebrating the year 2018 as “Thank You India” year to express their gratitude towards India for not just having sheltered exiled Tibetans on its soil but for also having stood by the Tibetan “cause”. These celebrations got mired in controversy after the Indian government issued an advisory to its senior bureaucrats asking them to maintain a distance from these programmes. The “Thank You India” event that was finally held in Dharamshala today was originally slated to take place in New Delhi and had to be moved out at the insistence of the Indian government. The Indian government, meanwhile, tried to salvage the situation by dispatching Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and senior BJP leader Ram Madhav to attend today’s event.

Tibetans only seeking 'certain rights' mentioned in Chinese constitution: Dalai Lama to WION

The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, faces increasing isolation in his home in exile as India tones down an assertive stand toward its powerful neighbour and rival, China, in the hope of calming ties strained by a border stand-off.

The Asian giants were locked in a 73-day military face off in a remote, high-altitude stretch of their disputed border last year, with, at one point, soldiers from the two sides throwing punches and stones at each other.

The confrontation between the nuclear-armed powers in the Himalayas underscored Indian alarm at China's expanding security and economic links in South Asia.

China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative of transport and energy links bypasses India, apart from a corner of the disputed Kashmir region, also claimed by Pakistan, but involves India's neighbours Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives.

Now Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationalist government, is reversing course, apparently after realising its hard line on China was not working, and the Dalai Lama is facing the cold shoulder.

"We are moving forward with this relationship, the idea is to put the events of 2017 behind us," an Indian government source involved in China policy said.

The idea is to "be sensitive" to each other's core concerns and not let differences turn into disputes, the source said.

The Dalai Lama has lived mostly in the north Indian town of Dharamsala since 1959, when he fled a Chinese crackdown on an uprising in his homeland.

In Dharamsala, his supporters run a small government in exile and campaign for autonomy for Tibet by peaceful means. India has allowed him to pursue his religious activities in the country and to travel abroad.

Early this month, India issued an unprecedented ban on Tibetans holding a rally with the Dalai Lama in New Delhi to mark the 60th anniversary of the start of the failed uprising against Chinese rule.

'DEEPLY RESPECTED'

This week, the Dalai Lama cancelled a visit to the Indian border state of Sikkim this week, hosted by authorities there, officials say, lest it offended China.

Sikkim is south of the Doklam plateau where the hundreds of Indian and Chinese soldiers confronted each other last year after India objected to China's construction of a road in an area claimed by India's tiny ally, Bhutan.

Even "thank you" rallies by Tibetans planned for New Delhi to show appreciation to India for hosting the Dalai Lama and his followers have been shifted to Dharamsala.

India's foreign ministry said the government had not changed its position on the Dalai Lama.

"He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by the people of India. His Holiness is accorded all freedom to carry out his religious activities in India," spokesman Raveesh Kumar said.

But India's recent attitude is in stark contrast with his former treatment.

In 2016, the Dalai Lama was invited to India's presidential palace for a ceremony honouring Nobel Peace prize winners. The government later allowed him to visit the disputed state of Arunachal Pradesh, disregarding Chinese objections.

China reviles the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist and his activities in India have always been a source of friction, and a tool with which India can needle China.

"Tibet has utility to irritate China, but it is becoming costly for us now. They are punishing us," said P. Stobdan, a former Indian ambassador.

China has blocked India's membership of a nuclear cartel and it also blocks U.N. sanctions against a Pakistan-based militant leader blamed for attacks on India.

'UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT'

The Tibetan government-in-exile has been phlegmatic, expressing understanding of the shifting circumstances and gratitude to India for hosting the Dalai Lama for 60 years.

"The Indian government has its reasons why, these coming months are sensitive, and we completely understand and respect that so there's no disappointment at all," Lobsang Sangay, the head of the government in exile told reporters.

China has hailed better ties.

"Everyone can see that recently, due to the efforts of both sides, China-India relations have maintained positive momentum and development, and exchanges and cooperation in all areas have achieved new progress," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Thursday.

Lu said China was willing to work with India to maintain exchanges on all levels and to increase mutual political trust and "appropriately control differences".

A flurry of visits is planned.

Next week, India National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is heading to China and Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj is due to visit in April.

Modi will visit in June for a regional conference and talks with President Xi Jinping.

The two sides are also expected to revive "hand-in-hand" counter-terrorism exercises when India's defence minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, visits China in April, a defence source said. The drills were suspended earlier.

The Asian giants were locked in a 73-day military face off in a remote, high-altitude stretch of their disputed border last year, with, at one point, soldiers from the two sides throwing punches and stones at each other.

The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, faces increasing isolation in his home in exile as India tones down an assertive stand toward its powerful neighbour and rival, China, in the hope of calming ties strained by a border stand-off. The Asian giants were locked in a 73-day military face off in a remote, high-altitude stretch of their disputed border last year, with, at one point, soldiers from the two sides throwing punches and stones at each other. The confrontation between the nuclear-armed powers in the Himalayas underscored Indian alarm at China's expanding security and economic links in South Asia. China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative of transport and energy links bypasses India, apart from a corner of the disputed Kashmir region, also claimed by Pakistan, but involves India's neighbours Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives. Now Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationalist government, is reversing course, apparently after realising its hard line on China was not working, and the Dalai Lama is facing the cold shoulder. "We are moving forward with this relationship, the idea is to put the events of 2017 behind us," an Indian government source involved in China policy said. The idea is to "be sensitive" to each other's core concerns and not let differences turn into disputes, the source said. The Dalai Lama has lived mostly in the north Indian town of Dharamsala since 1959, when he fled a Chinese crackdown on an uprising in his homeland. In Dharamsala, his supporters run a small government in exile and campaign for autonomy for Tibet by peaceful means. India has allowed him to pursue his religious activities in the country and to travel abroad. Early this month, India issued an unprecedented ban on Tibetans holding a rally with the Dalai Lama in New Delhi to mark the 60th anniversary of the start of the failed uprising against Chinese rule. 'DEEPLY RESPECTED' This week, the Dalai Lama cancelled a visit to the Indian border state of Sikkim this week, hosted by authorities there, officials say, lest it offended China. Sikkim is south of the Doklam plateau where the hundreds of Indian and Chinese soldiers confronted each other last year after India objected to China's construction of a road in an area claimed by India's tiny ally, Bhutan. Even "thank you" rallies by Tibetans planned for New Delhi to show appreciation to India for hosting the Dalai Lama and his followers have been shifted to Dharamsala. India's foreign ministry said the government had not changed its position on the Dalai Lama. "He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by the people of India. His Holiness is accorded all freedom to carry out his religious activities in India," spokesman Raveesh Kumar said. But India's recent attitude is in stark contrast with his former treatment. In 2016, the Dalai Lama was invited to India's presidential palace for a ceremony honouring Nobel Peace prize winners. The government later allowed him to visit the disputed state of Arunachal Pradesh, disregarding Chinese objections. China reviles the Dalai Lama as a dangerous separatist and his activities in India have always been a source of friction, and a tool with which India can needle China. "Tibet has utility to irritate China, but it is becoming costly for us now. They are punishing us," said P. Stobdan, a former Indian ambassador. China has blocked India's membership of a nuclear cartel and it also blocks U.N. sanctions against a Pakistan-based militant leader blamed for attacks on India. 'UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT' The Tibetan government-in-exile has been phlegmatic, expressing understanding of the shifting circumstances and gratitude to India for hosting the Dalai Lama for 60 years. "The Indian government has its reasons why, these coming months are sensitive, and we completely understand and respect that so there's no disappointment at all," Lobsang Sangay, the head of the government in exile told reporters. China has hailed better ties. "Everyone can see that recently, due to the efforts of both sides, China-India relations have maintained positive momentum and development, and exchanges and cooperation in all areas have achieved new progress," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Thursday. Lu said China was willing to work with India to maintain exchanges on all levels and to increase mutual political trust and "appropriately control differences". A flurry of visits is planned. Next week, India National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is heading to China and Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj is due to visit in April. Modi will visit in June for a regional conference and talks with President Xi Jinping. The two sides are also expected to revive "hand-in-hand" counter-terrorism exercises when India's defence minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, visits China in April, a defence source said. The drills were suspended earlier.

Dalai Lama faces cold shoulder as India looks to improve China ties

Tibetan spiritual leader the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-in-our-position-on-the-dalai-lama-government-of-india-34491">Dalai Lama in a video message to a</a> Washington-based group said he was willing to remain within the People&#39;s Republic of China under a &quot;union&quot; similar to the spirit of the European Union.&nbsp;

&quot;I always, you see, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doklam-standoff-not-very-serious-india-and-china-have-to-live-side-by-side-dalai-lama-18759">admire the spirit of the European Union</a>,&quot; the Dalai Lama said in a video chat, adding,&quot;Common interest is more important rather than one&#39;s own national interest. With that kind of concept, I am very much willing to remain within the People&#39;s Republic of China.&quot;

&quot;The Chinese word, &quot;gongheguo&quot; (republic), shows some kind of union is there,&quot; he added.

China has often attacked nations who have tried to open relations with the Dalai Lama. The Communist country views Tibet as an integral part of China and has often branded the spiritual leader as a &quot;splittist&quot; monk.

&quot;Among the Chinese hardliners, in their mind, it seems some kind of dilemma is there about their present policy - whether, you see, it can solve Tibetan problem or not,&quot; the Dalai Lama said.

The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule and set up a government in exile in the foothills of Dharamsala, the Chinese troops had entered Tibet nine years earlier, ever since then the Communist regime has tried to marginalise the Dalai Lama from various international forum, and often taken digs against India.

China has often attacked nations who have tried to open relations with the Dalai Lama.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in a video message to a Washington-based group said he was willing to remain within the People's Republic of China under a "union" similar to the spirit of the European Union. "I always, you see, admire the spirit of the European Union," the Dalai Lama said in a video chat, adding,"Common interest is more important rather than one's own national interest. With that kind of concept, I am very much willing to remain within the People's Republic of China." "The Chinese word, "gongheguo" (republic), shows some kind of union is there," he added. China has often attacked nations who have tried to open relations with the Dalai Lama. The Communist country views Tibet as an integral part of China and has often branded the spiritual leader as a "splittist" monk. "Among the Chinese hardliners, in their mind, it seems some kind of dilemma is there about their present policy - whether, you see, it can solve Tibetan problem or not," the Dalai Lama said. The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule and set up a government in exile in the foothills of Dharamsala, the Chinese troops had entered Tibet nine years earlier, ever since then the Communist regime has tried to marginalise the Dalai Lama from various international forum, and often taken digs against India.

I am very much willing to remain within China, says Dalai Lama

The Tibetan National Uprising Day ceremony started today in Dharamshala to mark the 60 years of exile of Dalai Lama.

The event was organised to highlight the increased repression of the Chinese government on Tibet.

The President of the Central Tibetan Administration Lobsang Sangay spoke in the event highlighting the sufferings.

He said that over 150 Tibetans had self-immolated themselves since 2009 due to the repressive policies of the Chinese government.&nbsp;

He also added that the natives were seeking the return of the Dalai Lama.&nbsp;

He thanked India and other countries for supporting and receiving Tibetians.&nbsp;

He said that the Central Tibetan Administration would mark&nbsp;the 60th year of Dalai Lama&#39;s exile as &quot;Thank You Year&quot;.&nbsp;

The Dalai Lama had escaped from Tibet to India in March 1959.

Keeping in mind the sensitive relations between India and China, Indian government has reportedly asked its senior officials to stay away from the event.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, protest against the suppression of Chinese government were also held outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
People of Tibet held anti-China protests on Tibetan Uprising Day outside United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. <a href="https://t.co/GC9uF0GGtS">pic.twitter.com/GC9uF0GGtS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/972482776632123392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Similar protests were held from McLeodGanj to Dharamsala.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Himachal Pradesh: Tibet nationals &amp; members of various organisations held a protest march from McLeod Ganj to Dharamsala to commemorate 59th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day. <a href="https://t.co/IID61YJV1C">pic.twitter.com/IID61YJV1C</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/972489429385449473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Tibetan National Uprising Day ceremony started today in Dharamshala to mark the 60 years of exile of Dalai Lama

The Tibetan National Uprising Day ceremony started today in Dharamshala to mark the 60 years of exile of Dalai Lama. The event was organised to highlight the increased repression of the Chinese government on Tibet. The President of the Central Tibetan Administration Lobsang Sangay spoke in the event highlighting the sufferings. He said that over 150 Tibetans had self-immolated themselves since 2009 due to the repressive policies of the Chinese government. He also added that the natives were seeking the return of the Dalai Lama. He thanked India and other countries for supporting and receiving Tibetians. He said that the Central Tibetan Administration would mark the 60th year of Dalai Lama's exile as "Thank You Year". The Dalai Lama had escaped from Tibet to India in March 1959. Keeping in mind the sensitive relations between India and China, Indian government has reportedly asked its senior officials to stay away from the event. Meanwhile, protest against the suppression of Chinese government were also held outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. People of Tibet held anti-China protests on Tibetan Uprising Day outside United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. pic.twitter.com/GC9uF0GGtS — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 × Similar protests were held from McLeodGanj to Dharamsala. Himachal Pradesh: Tibet nationals & members of various organisations held a protest march from McLeod Ganj to Dharamsala to commemorate 59th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day. pic.twitter.com/IID61YJV1C — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2018 ×

Tibetan National Uprising Day begins with protests against Chinese suppression

The Indian government said Friday that there has been no change in its position on the Dalai Lama.&nbsp;

&quot;Government of India&rsquo;s position on His Holiness the Dalai Lama is clear and consistent. He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by the people of India. &nbsp;There is no change in that position. His Holiness is accorded all freedom to carry out his religious activities in India,&quot; the Ministry of External Affairs said.&nbsp;

The comments came after a newspaper report Friday saying the government had asked &quot;senior leaders&quot; and &quot;government functionaries&quot; of the Centre and states to stay away from events planned for end-March and early-April to mark the 60 years in exile in India spent by the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans.&nbsp;

The note, the news report said, was sent out by the Cabinet Secretary to the states. It had been preceded by a note from the Foreign Secretary to the Cabinet Secretary.&nbsp;

The reason for the notes from the government, the newspaper report added, was that the government thought this is a &quot;sensitive time&quot; for bilateral relations with China, which views the Dalai Lama as a &quot;splittist&quot;&nbsp;and a &quot;dangerous separatist&quot; aka someone who wants to wishes to see Tibet secede from Tibet.&nbsp;

China had invaded Tibet in 1959, which is when the Dalai Lama had fled the country for India. He currently lives in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

The Dalai Lama has also often said that he is not looking for independence from China but for autonomy for Tibet within the country. That is a sentiment not shared by a large proportion of the Tibetans living in exile in India.&nbsp;

The comments came after a newspaper report saying the government had asked senior leaders and government functionaries to stay away from Tibetan events because it (the govt) thinks this is 'sensitive time' for bilateral relations with China

The Indian government said Friday that there has been no change in its position on the Dalai Lama. "Government of India’s position on His Holiness the Dalai Lama is clear and consistent. He is a revered religious leader and is deeply respected by the people of India. There is no change in that position. His Holiness is accorded all freedom to carry out his religious activities in India," the Ministry of External Affairs said. The comments came after a newspaper report Friday saying the government had asked "senior leaders" and "government functionaries" of the Centre and states to stay away from events planned for end-March and early-April to mark the 60 years in exile in India spent by the Dalai Lama and the Tibetans. The note, the news report said, was sent out by the Cabinet Secretary to the states. It had been preceded by a note from the Foreign Secretary to the Cabinet Secretary. The reason for the notes from the government, the newspaper report added, was that the government thought this is a "sensitive time" for bilateral relations with China, which views the Dalai Lama as a "splittist" and a "dangerous separatist" aka someone who wants to wishes to see Tibet secede from Tibet. China had invaded Tibet in 1959, which is when the Dalai Lama had fled the country for India. He currently lives in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. The Dalai Lama has also often said that he is not looking for independence from China but for autonomy for Tibet within the country. That is a sentiment not shared by a large proportion of the Tibetans living in exile in India.

Indian government says it has not changed its position on the Dalai Lama

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