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It's Time for China, Tibet to Cut a Deal

Dalai Lama backs off demand for autonomy, opening window

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 7, 2008 7:01 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Dalai Lama is willing to accept Chinese rule in Tibet, providing Beijing with a major concession in an attempt to preserve the cultural character of the region, writes columnist Nicolas D. Kristof in the New York Times. The Chinese government must recognize the Dalai Lama's willingness to compromise and offer incentives of its own, urges Kristof, who held discussions with the spiritual leader and with Chinese and Tibetan officials.

Kristof outlines what acceptable terms would look like: China would release political prisoners, limit the immigration of Han Chinese into Tibetan areas, and relax its "patriotic education" campaigns that only exacerbate tensions. The Dalai Lama, for his part, would back off from calls for a larger, politically autonomous Tibet and accept existing boundaries. The two sides must compromise while the Dalai Lama is still alive. Otherwise, "a deal could be impossible for another generation," warns Kristof.

Tibetan exiles hoist a poster of spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in Katmandu, Nepal, today. It was ripped by police during a demonstration for Tibetan rights. (AP Photo/Binod Joshi)

The Dalai Lama waves goodbye as he leaves a news conference with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in Aspen, Colo., Friday, July 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The Dalai Lama participates in a news conference with John McCain in Colorado last month. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The Dalai Lama participates in a news conference with Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain in Aspen, Colo., last month. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

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It's Time for China, Tibet to Cut a Deal

Dalai Lama backs off demand for autonomy, opening window

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New Tibetan Prime Minister Sworn In

Lobsang Sangay will follow Dalai Lama's policies

China Blasts Dalai Lama 'Suicide Plots'

Monks amassing arms, planning to disrupt Olympics, Chinese charge

Tibetans Begin Trek Home to Protest China Policies

Thousands bid farewell to marchers as they leave Dharamsala

Tibet Nun, 18, Sets Self Ablaze

Free Tibet says teen died from injuries as tension escalates

Challenge to China: Another Monk Sets Self on Fire

It's the 12th self-immolation in Tibet since March

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It's Time for China, Tibet to Cut a Deal

Dalai Lama backs off demand for autonomy, opening window

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • Tibet • Dalai Lama • Tibetan independence • Tibetans • Chinese Communist party

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

New Tibetan Prime Minister Sworn In

Lobsang Sangay will follow Dalai Lama's policies

China Blasts Dalai Lama 'Suicide Plots'

Monks amassing arms, planning to disrupt Olympics, Chinese charge

Tibetans Begin Trek Home to Protest China Policies

Thousands bid farewell to marchers as they leave Dharamsala

Tibet Nun, 18, Sets Self Ablaze

Free Tibet says teen died from injuries as tension escalates

Challenge to China: Another Monk Sets Self on Fire

It's the 12th self-immolation in Tibet since March

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?