In the Boston Globe, David Phillips writes an op-ed on President Obama’s decision not to host the Dalai Lama at the White House next week:
Obama has a long list of items to discuss with President Hu Jintao when they meet next month in Beijing. He knows that multilateralism cannot succeed without China’s cooperation on a whole host of issues, including the global economic crisis, global warming, and nuclear nonproliferation.
However, Obama should not turn a blind eye to human rights in China. He should point out that stability is essential for social and economic development, and that China’s stability will give it greater self-confidence on the world stage.
Obama should emphasize that, absent progress, Tibetans will become radicalized and the present opportunity to negotiate an autonomy arrangement that strengthens China’s territorial integrity could disappear. The Dalai Lama is best placed to endorse an arrangement that advances China’s interests as well as the interests of Tibetans. In exchange for verifiable autonomy, the Dalai Lama would put his moral authority behind an agreement that precludes separation or Tibetan independence.
Meanwhile, the State Department has announced a new representative to handle Tibetan issues. From AFP:
Clinton announced that Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero will also serve as special coordinator for Tibetan issues for President Barack Obama’s administration, the State Department said.
“Otero will coordinate the US government’s policies, programs and projects on Tibetan issues within the context of our bilateral relationship with the People’s Republic of China,” it said in a statement.
Her appointment was announced the same day as China — which sent troops into Tibet in 1950 and crushed protests there last year — celebrated 60 years of communist rule and received congratulations from Clinton on the occasion.
“She will seek to foster an environment to promote substantive discussion between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and the Chinese government, as well as support initiatives to help safeguard Tibet’s unique culture,” it added.
