NPR: Why Is U.S. Going Public with Support for Dalai Lama?

Why Is U.S. Going Public with Support for Dalai Lama?

It's been pretty hard to miss the fact that the Dalai Lama has gotten a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow. And if you've heard about the award, then you've probably also heard about how upset the Chinese are about it. (China views Tibet as part of its territory and sees the Dalai Lama as a threat to its sovereignty.)

In the past, U.S. presidents have always kept meetings with the Dalai Lama low-key for fear of offending the Chinese, so it begs the question: Why go public now?

The president was asked at a news conference today why he was going to the ceremony honoring the Dalai Lama, considering China's outrage. Bush cited the struggle for religious freedom around the world — an issue that has been a touchstone for his administration.

I have consistently told the Chinese that religious freedom is in their nation's interest. I've also told them that I think it's in their interest to meet with the Dalai Lama, and will say so at the ceremony today in Congress. ... Matter of fact, I don't think it ever damages relations when the American president talks about religious tolerance.

However, the White House has made concessions to China's feelings on the matter. Officials denied the media any access to Bush's private meeting with the Dalai Lama on Tuesday.

And experts say that his visit is not likely to have a long-term effect on Chinese-U.S. relations. "It seems more likely to me that (China is) going through the motions of protest more for their own domestic audience than for any outside audience," said Daniel Sneider, an Asia Pacific specialist at Stanford University.

4:25 PM ET | 10-17-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I'm guessing that the Dalai understands does understand why eavesdropping, violation of treaties signed by this country, torture, and starting wars to impress daddy and keep Halliburton's profits up are wrong.

I'm guessing that he met with the corporate puppet in the oval office because he feels he has an obligation to confront evil. And clearly Mr. Bush understands nothing about freedom religious or otherwise.

Sent by Dave Randolph | 4:43 PM ET | 10-17-2007

the struggle for religious freedom around the world... unless you are of the "evil" Islamic faith I suppose. Hypocrite

Sent by Haha | 5:36 PM ET | 10-17-2007

It feels like the Bush Admin. is trying to offend as many nations as it can before his term expires.

Sent by Tiffany | 6:58 PM ET | 10-17-2007

This is absolutely the best thing George Bush has ever done in his Presidency. His predecessors didn't have the guts or the convenient timing of the upcoming 2008 Olympics in China. The Dalai Lama deserves this recognition and much much more from us. Thank you George Bush for putting it to the Chinese and also the thug mafia Al Qaeda organization hiding behind 'religious' beliefs.

Sent by Karen | 8:00 PM ET | 10-17-2007

I also commend George Bush for standing up for the Tibetan people and helping to honor Dalai Lama. I think this has been a great cause to bring many of us with differing views together. The Dalai Lama has proven to the American people that we can still find common ground. In his relationship with George Bush, the Dalai Lama has demonstrated the power of true compassion.

Sent by Erik | 8:09 PM ET | 10-18-2007

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