China using force to weaken Tibetan struggle for autonomy — Dalai Lama

Maintaining that international concern and support was essential for a peaceful solution of the Tibetan issue, he said: “The Chinese government should understand that Tibetan struggle would not fade out with the passage of time. This is not a struggle for the cause of one man or of a generation. Generations of Chinese to come will continue this struggle, and sooner or later the Chinese leadership will have to face this fact.”

The Dalai Lama claimed that the Chinese leaders refused to believe that he was not seeking separation but genuine autonomy for Tibetans. “They (Chinese authorities) are openly accusing me of lying. They are free to come and visit our communities in exile to find out the truth for themselves,” he said.

The Chinese policy of using coercion and force in Tibet was shortsighted and counter-productive, he said.

The Dalai Lama said the Chinese people themselves will “deeply regret” the destruction of Tibet’s ancient and rich cultural heritage.

Reiterating his “middle-path” policy for solving the Tibetan problem, the Dalai Lama said “It has been my consistent endeavour to find a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the Tibetan problem. My view envisages that Tibet enjoy genuine autonomy within the framework of the Peoples Republic of China. Such a mutually-beneficial solution would contribute to the stability and unity of China – their two topmost priorities – while at the same time the Tibetans would be ensured of the basic rights to preserve their own civilisation.”

Seeking support for Tibetan cause, the Dalai Lama said, “In the absence of any positive response from the Chinese government to my overtures over the years, I am left with no alternative but to appeal to the international community. It is clear now that only increased and concerted international efforts will persuade Beijing to change its policy on Tibet.”

He said Chinese authorities have expelled a total of 1,432 monks and nuns from their monasteries and nunneries for refusing to their oppose Tibetan freedom or to denounce their leader. “There are 615 known and documented Tibetan political prisoners in Tibet. Since 1996, a total of 11,409 monks and nuns have been expelled from their places of worship and study,” he said.

Expressing concern over plight of Panchen Lama, the Dalai Lama said, “He is under virtual house arrest, making him the youngest political prisoner in the world.”

The most alarming trend in Tibet is the flood of Chinese settlers who continue to come to Tibet to take advantage of its opening to market capitalism, he added.