TAIPEI - The Dalai Lama and Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian, both reviled by China, met on Thursday when the Tibetan spiritual leader predicted the mainland would become more open and democratic.
The Dalai Lama told Chen during their one-hour meeting 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 has said the plight of his homeland has deteriorated as Beijing's rule has become more harsh.
But "his Holiness feels optimistic in the long run," his spokesman Kelsang Gyaltsen told Reuters.
"Sooner or later there will be changes in China."
China has accused the Dalai Lama of colluding with Taiwan separatists, and reiterated its long-standing opposition to Tibet and Taiwan seeking independence.
"We are opposed to collusion between the forces for the independence of Taiwan and Tibet in efforts to block the unification of the motherland," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Sun Yuxi said on Thursday.
"Both Taiwan and Tibet are inseparable parts of China," he said.
Beijing has ruled Tibet with an iron fist since 1950 and the Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule. He won the Nobel Peace Prize three decades later for a peaceful campaign for autonomy.
Tibet's god-king has been accused by Beijing of making a politically motivated trip to Taiwan, but he has tried to play down its significance and said his 10-day visit was purely spiritual.
SEEK DIALOGUE, EYE AUTONOMY
The Dalai Lama said that despite Beijing and pro-independence Tibetans spurning his "middle way" approach, 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 neighbour in a range of areas, including the economy, the environment and defence.
Beijing has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan since the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. China's Communist rulers have threatened to attack Taiwan if the island declares independence or drags its feet on unification talks.
The Dalai Lama has denied he wants independence for his Himalayan homeland and Chen has mellowed his separatist stand, but Beijing remains unconvinced and scorns both men.
China's ties with Taiwan remain high-strung with the island negotiating to buy arms from the United States in April.
U.S.-China relations have been chilled by the standoff over a U.S. spy plane and its detained crew, the reported defection of a Chinese military officer and Beijing's detention of U.S.-affiliated academics.
The Dalai Lama, who turned down an invitation to attend Chen's inauguration last May, congratulated his host for becoming the first Taiwan opposition leader to assume the presidency.
"Not only is this the greatest achievement of Taiwan's democracy, it is also the pride of Taiwanese," a statement released by the Office of the President quoted the Dalai Lama as saying.
During the meeting, the Dalai Lama presented Chen with a hada, or traditional Tibetan white scarf. In return, Chen gave the bespectacled, saffron-robed monk a copy of his biography "Taiwan's Son" and a wooden Buddhist statue.
His second visit to Taiwan inflamed political and religious passions on the island of 23 million, with advocates and opponents of Taiwan's independence from China taking to the streets on the day of his arrival. He leaves next Monday.
06:49 04-05-01
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