China on Thursday continued its tirade against the Dalai Lama, who is scheduled to meet United States President Barack Obama in mid-February, calling the meeting 'pathetic' and the Buddhist leader 'a trouble maker'Zhu Weiqun, Chinese executive vice minister for relations with foreign countries, said, "Tibetans will decide the future of the region, with or without the Dalai Lama".He claimed that the Chinese government had given the "Dalai Lama a chance to correct his mistakes"
"The President told China's leaders during his trip last year that he would meet with the Dalai Lama, and he intends to do so. The Dalai Lama is an internationally respected religious and cultural leader, and the President will meet him in that capacity," Bill Burton, the White House Deputy Press Secretary said.
'The Tibetan movement will never turn violent during the Dalai Lama's life-time.'
Obama met the 80-year-old spiritual leader in the historic Map Room of the White House. The meeting was closed for the press.
China on Saturday summoned the United States Charge d'Affaires in Beijing and lodged a strong diplomatic protest over the meeting between President Barack Obama and Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.
'It is very much a danger.' 'With Tibet following the India tradition of ahimsa and the global visibility of the Dalai Lama who embodies these values, he should be supported by India as a diplomat.' 'It would be in India's self-interest and instead of being embarrassed about his presence, India should recognise this (role).' 'By appeasing China, India does not get anything in return; they (the Chinese have not stopped) claiming Arunachal, part of Kashmir, etc.'
