China to be more democratic, says Dalai Lama

The long-awaited meeting

In this story: Abortive uprising Now at loggerheads RELATED STORIES, SITES

HONG KONG, China -- The Dalai Lama has told Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian that China would become more open and democratic.

The Tibetan spiritual leader met Chen on Thursday and said that he "sees global change -- more openness, democracy and respect for human rights," his spokesman said.

"China is a part of this world and cannot escape this global change," the Dalai Lama was quoted as saying.

He said the plight of Tibet had worsened as Beijing toughened its rules. But he feels "optimistic in the long run", his spokesman Kelsang Gyaltsen said.

"Sooner or later there will be changes in China."

During the one-hour meeting, the Dalai Lama presented Chen with a hada, or traditional Tibetan white scarf. In return, Chen gave him a copy of his biography, "Taiwan's Son", and a wooden Buddhist statue.

Abortive uprising

Beijing, labeling the Dalai Lama as a "separatist", has ruled Tibet since 1950. Nine years later, The Dalai Lama fled after an abortive uprising against Chinese occupation.

He won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for a peaceful campaign for autonomy.

The Dalai Lama also said he was "excited" by signs that China was willing to compromise on Tibet.

In recent years, Beijing has significantly relaxed its grip on Tibetan economy, but it still tightly controls politics.

Beijing, viewing Tibet and Taiwan as parts of China, has branded the Dalai Lama's eight-day visit to Taiwan as politically motivated.

On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said the Taiwan trip "couldn't hide the political purpose of the connection between the independent forces of Taiwan and Tibet".

Despite Beijing and pro-independence Tibetans spurning his "middle way" approach, the Dalai Lama said he would continue to seek dialogue with China to find a solution to give his homeland genuine autonomy and preserve Tibetan culture.

He urged Taiwan to maintain "some kind of special and unique relationship" with China because the island was bound to cooperate with its giant communist neighbor in the economy, environment and defense.

Beijing has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the communists drove the nationalists to the island at the end of a bitter civil war in 1949.

China has threatened to attack Taiwan if the island declares independence.

The Dalai Lama has denied he wants independence for Tibet and Chen has softened his independence stance since he ran for presidency last year.

The Taiwan issue became highly sensitive recently, with China protesting to the U.S. about selling advanced arms to the island.

Now at loggerheads

And China and the United States are now at loggerheads after a U.S. spy plane collided with a Chinese fighter off the southern coast of China on Sunday.

The Dalai Lama, who turned down an invitation to attend Chen's inauguration last May, congratulated Chen for becoming the first Taiwan opposition leader to become a president.

"Not only is this the greatest achievement of Taiwan's democracy, it is also the pride of Taiwan," statement released by Chen's office quoted the Dalai Lama as saying.

The Dalai Lama first visited Taiwan in 1997, this time his trip to the island sparked rallies organized both by advocates and opponents of Taiwan's independents.

He leaves on Monday.

The Associated Press & Reuters contributed to this report.

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