From The Press September 12, 1996

The Dalai Lama, leader of the world's Buddhists, in Wellington yesterday. PHOTO

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by Jeremy Kirk in Wellington

The Chinese Government has reacted angrily to Prime Minister Jim Bolger's meeting with the exiled leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama, in the Beehive yesterday, saying it is "seriously concerned".

Soon after the half-hour meeting the Chinese Embassy in Wellington issued a statement saying it "deeply regretted" that the New Zealand Government had allowed the visit to go ahead, and had provided the spiritual leader with "platforms for conducting political propaganda".

The comments were widely expected after the embassy warned on Tuesday through diplomatic and media channels that it was resolutely against the visit "in whatever capacity", and wanted to avoid "impeding Sino-New Zealand relations".

China invaded Tibet in 1950 and regards the Dalai Lama as a political exile trying to disrupt national unity by advocating Tibetan independence. China has been repeatedly accused of human rights abuses in Tibet since the invasion.

In the statement the embassy said Tibet had been an inalienable part of Chinese territory since the mid-13th century, and the "Tibet issue" was solely China's internal affair. It emphasised that this allowed for "no interference from foreign governments, organisations, or individuals".

Embassy third secretary Fu Zhigang said China a growing New Zealand trade partner would continue "to pay close attention to the development of the situation on this matter".

Mr Bolger welcomed the Dalai Lama in front of journalists, but would not be interviewed after the brief meeting, which was described as warm and friendly. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister said this was because he was on a private visit, and was not a guest of the Government.

The Dalai Lama, leader of the world's 340 million Buddhists, will answer questions from the audience at the end of his 30-minute talk in Christchurch Cathedral today. Some questions will be submitted before his address starts. Organisers say photographs can be taken before and after the Nobel Peace prize-winner speaks, but not during his talk, entitled "A Celebration of Kindness".

His talk will be relayed into Cathedral Square and played on a large video screen for those unable to get into the cathedral.

A powhiri will be performed in the Square at 4.30pm before the Dalai Lama will be welcomed to the cathedral by the Dean, the Very Rev John Bluck. Civic leaders and leaders of many city churches will attend, including Anglican and Catholic bishops.