Angering China, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou announced yesterday that the Dalai Lama will visit southern Taiwan next week. Beijing is always irritated when the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, travels abroad and the government often issues strong rebukes to foreign hosts. Last November Mr. Ma stopped the Dalai Lama from coming, but Mr. Ma is under pressure at home with rising anger across Taiwan over the government’s response to the recent typhoon.
The visit follows a marked improvement in cross-strait relations – the hallmark of Mr. Ma’s first 15 months in office. With direct tourist flights, shipping links and strong bilateral trade, the ties are arguably better than they have been in 60 years.
The Dalai Lama’s stop will complicate dealings between Beijing and Taipei and could threaten Mr. Ma’s progress in warming relations. But Beijing has lately demonstrated greater understanding of Taiwan’s domestic politics, and so far the opposition party in Taiwan (members of the opposition reportedly invited the Dalai Lama) seems to be receiving the brunt of China’s ire. Rapprochement is not out of the question, but it won’t be easy.
Photo from AFP.
