Dalai Lama Mollifies China Over 'Purely Humanitarian' Taiwan Trip

The Times ^ | August 31, 2009

[nickcarraway]

The Dalai Lama began the first full day of his controversial trip to Taiwan with words to mollify China, saying his mission to comfort victims of one of the deadliest storms to hit the island was entirely humanitarian.

The visit by the exiled spiritual leader has the potential to set back improving ties between the island and China – which claims Taiwan as a renegade province – and deal a set back to the signature policy of the 15-month-old administration of Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou.

However, the maroon-robed monk was unequivocal in his assessment of the five-day trip. “I've visited different parts of the world, and I may have a political agenda there ... (but) my visit here is purely for humanitarian concerns.”

His main mission today was to lead prayers at the site of a giant mudslide that buried the remote mountain village of Hsiaolin after Typhoon Morakot slammed into the island this month. Many of the 670 dead were residents of Hsiaolin.

The 1988 Nobel Peace Prize winner said: “We are not seeking separation for Taiwan, but the fate of Taiwan depends on the more than 20 million people. You are enjoying democracy and that you must preserve. I myself am totally dedicated to the promotion of democracy."

The response from Beijing has been unusually restrained, a departure from the rage it has vented at nations that have played host to the Tibetan monk, whom China blames for a bloody riot in Lhasa in March last year that left at least 18 people dead.

The Taiwan Affairs Office issued a statement to coincide with the arrival in Taiwan of the monk late on Sunday. “We resolutely oppose this and our position is firm and clear.

[Daffynition]

'The Dalai Lama himself is clearly keen to avoid antagonising China. He said: “I'm a monk. I was asked to say prayers for peace. There is no politics. This is humanitarian in nature."'

Yeah. That.

[FDNYRHEROES]

There is no politics.
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