TAIPEI - Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, wrapped up his second controversial visit to Taiwan on Monday with a promise to return.
"I am a Buddhist monk, there are many Buddhist practitioners here. Basically it is my moral responsibility to serve them. I will return," he told reporters before departing.
The Dalai Lama raked in T$16 million (US$485,000) from ticket sales to his mass "enlightenment" lectures, but he donated US$150,000 to Taiwan victims of a devastating earthquake in 1999.
Beijing has accused the Dalai Lama of making a politically motivated trip to Taiwan, but he has tried to play down its significance and said his visit was purely spiritual.
Nonetheless, he met President Chen Shui-bian, Vice President Annette Lu and Premier Chang Chun-hsiung as well as opposition leaders.
His 10-day visit inflamed religious and political passions with advocates and opponents of the island's independence from China taking to the streets.
But the Dalai Lama's Taiwan visit was overshadowed by a continuing diplomatic row between China and the United States over a stranded U.S. Navy spy plane on Hainan island.
Beijing is holding the 24 crew of the plane, which made an emergency landing on the island after a mid-air collision on Sunday with a Chinese jet fighter, and demanding a U.S. apology.
The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule. He won the Nobel Peace Prize three decades later for a peaceful campaign for autonomy.
(US$ - T$33)
05:57 04-09-01
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