Sunday, November 22, 2009

Dalai Lama Defends Obama on China

Obama and the Dalai Lama are expected to meet next month. The Dalai Lama says Obama isn't being soft. Obama has a different style. Clearly, Obama's style has been surprising to many, including people who voted for him. But I believe Obama's style is the right style for the times.
The Dalai Lama defended President Barack Obama from criticism that he has been too soft on China, saying Sunday that the U.S. leader just has a different approach to dealing with the Asian giant.
Obama made his first trip to China as president last week and has faced criticism that he didn't do enough to press Beijing on Tibet during his meetings with senior Chinese officials.
"Obama is not soft on China; just has a different style," the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said in an interview aired on Indian television. Read more at AP
The Dalai Lama is right. China censors out of insecurity. The more secure in its power, the less need to censor: