Tensions over the Dalai Lama

Despite harsh criticism from China, the Dalai Lama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy came together for a meeting in the Polish city of Gdańsk. The daily Le Temps comments: "For years Paris has pursued a policy of maintaining good relations with the Chinese dictatorship. ... Sarkozy's lack of a clear stance towards China and his manoeuvrings have provoked China into putting him under pressure. The meeting in Gdańsk explains China's irritation. The Chinese authorities know the power of symbols. The Solidarność scenario has been made the subject of profound study at the school of the Chinese Communist Party in an attempt to prevent the fall of the regime. The harsher tone from Beijing could [moreover] turn into a new political battle within the party's highest authorities in the face of the looming crisis."

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