Published by: World Tibet Network News Sunday, September 28, 1997
Source: Inside China Today, A Service of the European Internet Network
Date: September 1997
T H E D A L A I L A M A
PART THREE
Philippe Noubel:
Do you think that Deng Xiaoping's program "One country, two systems" could apply to Tibet?
Dalai Lama:
Oh, yes. Certainly, certainly. In fact, when (the) seven point agreement in 51 was signed -- although not very happily -- however, I think that after that agreement In the spirit of some kind of "one country, two systems" already I think there (is). So (the) Tibetan case, in the past they -- without mentioning this kind of political term -- but in reality "one country, two systems" was tried but then it failed. So actually, my whole approach (is) the foreign affairs and defense should (be) handled by (the) Chinese government, then the rest of the business such as education and economy and preservation of spirituality or cultural heritage, these Tibetans should handle it fully. So this dual approach is very much in the spirit of "one country, two systems." I'm not seeking separation or independence, so this (is) actually very much within the framework Deng Xiaoping laid down. He's clearly stated the question of independence is unnegotiable; besides independence anything can be discussed. So you see, my approa
ch is very much within that framework.
Philippe Noubel:
So you advocate an autonomous Tibet inside the People's Republic of China?
Dalai Lama:
That's right. That's right
Philippe Noubel:
And what about the territories like Amdo and Kham?
Dalai Lama:
Since I'm not seeking separation from People's Republic of China I'm mainly concerned about the preservation of Tibetan culture, spirituality. So therefore, outside the Tibetan Autonomous Region of Tibet (there are) more or less around 4 million Tibetans (with) the same Tibetan Buddhist culture and language and Buddhist spirituality. So since my main concern is (the) preservation of Tibetan culture and Buddhism, so you see it should include all these Tibetans in other four Chinese provinces.
