China Issues Warning on Dalai Lama Trip (to US)

NY Times ^ | October 17, 2007 | JOSEPH KAHN

[NYer]

BEIJING, Oct. 16 — Chinese officials warned the United States on Tuesday not to honor the Dalai Lama, saying a planned award ceremony in Washington for the Tibetan spiritual leader would have “an extremely serious impact” on relations between the countries.

Speaking at a Foreign Ministry briefing and on the sidelines of the Communist Party’s 17th National Congress, the officials condemned the Dalai Lama as a resolute separatist and said foreign leaders must stop encouraging his “splittist” mission.

“Such a person who basely splits his motherland and doesn’t even love his motherland has been welcomed by some countries and has even been receiving this or that award,” Tibet’s Communist Party boss, Zhang Qingli, told reporters during the congress.

“We are furious,” Mr. Zhang said. “If the Dalai Lama can receive such an award, there must be no justice or good people in the world.”

The Dalai Lama, a Nobel laureate, has lived in exile since the Chinese army crushed an uprising in his homeland in 1959 and is revered as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists. He is scheduled to receive the Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday.

[yldstrk]

Yeah, China like you are calling the shots........

[ArrogantBustard]

Dear Mr. Zhang;

Piss OFF!!!!

Sincerely,

A. Bustard.

[LIConFem]

China should spend some time issuing warnings on the toxic products it exports world-wide.

[theDentist]

As I recall, when he met Clinton, it was a quiet affair, so as not to bother the Chinese. Now we’ll see if Bush decides to change the plans so as not to irritate the Chinese.

[Perdogg]

I wonder if the Dali Lama will grant President Bush total consciousness.

[COUNTrecount]

So we Americans are uninvited to the Beijing Olympics?

[Right_Rev]

“Such a person who basely splits his motherland and doesn’t even love his motherland has been welcomed by some countries and has even been receiving this or that award,” Tibet’s Communist Party boss, Zhang Qingli, told reporters during the congress.

Are they talking about Al Gore again?

[Dixie Yooper]

For many years now I have tried to care about the Dalai Lama, but don’t. Maybe if he converted to Christianity, I would like him more...

[RexBeach]

Big hitter, the Lama.

[11th Commandment]

I think the message to China is clear, you guys start behaving around the world or we do this. Same with Putin, you halt your nuclear activities with Iran, or the missile defense system goes up in Eastern Europe. Pretty simple, play with the big boys, you're going to get hurt.

[HereInTheHeartland]

“would have “an extremely serious impact” on relations between the countries.”

They will stop selling lead tainted kid’s toys to us until we say we are sorry?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

We could flick em like a booger.

[NYer]

So we Americans are uninvited to the Beijing Olympics?

No but don't plan on bringing any religious objects.

---

Beijing, Oct. 12, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Chinese government reportedly will not allow visitors to bring religious objects such as rosary beads or holy water when they travel to Beijing for the Olympic Games next year.

The report on restrictions did not clearly indicate whether visitors would be allowed to bring Bibles into China. Nor was there any indication whether the host nation would allow Olympic teams to bring chaplains-- a practice that many countries have followed regularly.

[pnh102]

Funny how big bad China fears a humble, physically weak and elderly gentleman.

[SueRae]

This isn’t the first time the Dalai Llama has been honored here in the U.S. He addressed Congress a few years back and several President’s have met with him. China needs to get a life. They completely squashed the country known as Tibet but they did not completely crush the spirit of those people.

[LIConFem]

I don't see why not. He did do it for a lowly greens keeper once.

Although I think the Lama probably found Carl a bit more entertaining that he would Pres. Bush.

[darth]

We could always rotate a company of Green Berets through Monterey to learn Tibetan. We could offer to delay this move if the commies quit supporting Iran.

[yldstrk]

That no religius objects ban is utrageous!

[Teacher317]

The Dalai Lama, a Nobel laureate, has lived in exile since the Chinese army crushed an uprising in his homeland in 1959

Curious... that's not how the Tibetans see the 1959 invasion of their sovereign nation by the Chinese Communist Army. Hmm..