Beijing - The Dalai Lama went ahead with a meeting with the Taiwan vice-president, Ms Annette Lu, yesterday in spite of an accusation by China that he was collaborating with the Taiwan independence movement, Miriam Donohue, Asia Correspondent, reports.
The Buddhist leader shared a stage with the vice-president in appealing for peace and understanding from Beijing, on the second day of his 10-day visit.
While the Dalai Lama said he was on a spiritual journey, China's official news agency, Xinhua, said his meeting with members of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party government showed a political agenda.
"The Dalai's second Taiwan trip will certainly be a political visit for collaborating with Taiwan independence forces to separate the motherland," Xinhua said. "With such a political backdrop, how could Dalai's trip be a pure `religious tour'?"
The Dalai Lama said he would be willing to teach Buddhist law, the Dharma, in China, but said it would first require some enlightenment on Beijing's part. "Everywhere, if there are some people who are really eager to learn from the Dharma, then it is our duty, responsibility to explain." The Taiwan vice-president thanked the Dalai Lama for braving China's disapproval and showing concern for Taiwan. "Tibetan compatriots have faced all kinds of oppression from the Chinese Communist Party, but he still has the heart and compassion to come to Taiwan, because he knows we have many difficulties as well," she said in an address.