Australia Says No Need for PM Howard to Meet Dalai

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Australia Says No Need for PM Howard to Meet Dalai

The Australian government reiterated Tuesday its one-China policy, saying there is no need for Prime Minister John Howard to meet the Dalai Lama during his visit to Australia.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The Australian government reiterated Tuesday its one-China policy, saying there is no need for Prime Minister John Howard to meet the Dalai Lama during his visit to Australia.

The Australian Associated Press quoted Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary Alan Thomas as saying that Australia recognizes both Tibet and Taiwan as provinces of China.

He told the parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee that the head of Australia's overseas missions is barred from attending any functions involving the Dalai Lama that "could be construed as giving political recognition of the Dalai Lama."

The Dalai Lama is visiting Australia at present and no political leader in the country is scheduled to meet him.

During the past two days, a handful of his followers launched protests and urged Prime Minister Howard to meet their boss.

Thomas said the Dalai Lama had expressed some interest in meeting government officials to discuss human rights issues in China, but nothing had been confirmed.

"There's no particular need for the prime minister to meet him on this occasion," he said.

He stressed the meeting Howard held with the Dalai Lama "acting as a religious leader" in 1996 was a "private" one.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Sino-Australian Military Links Forged with Clink of Wine Glasses

"I Am Looking Forward Very Much to My Visit to China": Australian PM

China, Australia Share Bid to Curb Trafficking in Women, Children

Study Shows Chinese Youths' Poor in Creative Ability ( 28 Messages)

UNDP Starts Research on Chinese Women in WTO ( 9 Messages)

China-Designed Turbojet Joins Air Force ( 8 Messages)

China Sets to Land on Moon by 2010 ( 5 Messages)

China Announces World Cup Squad ( 2 Messages)