YESTERDAY'S NEWS that the Chinese government is to reopen talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama about Tibet is welcome and timely. It came as Chinese leaders were meeting a delegation of European Union leaders in Beijing, thereby acknowledging deep international concern on the issue.
Even though talks on Tibet have been conducted sporadically and to no great effect before they collapsed in 2006 their revival now will relieve political pressure on the Olympic Games, and will not be as easy to sideline as before because of expectations that movement can and should be made.
The Chinese announcement repeated its previous allegations that the Dalai Lama should stop "splitting the motherland, instigating violence and disrupting the Olympics". He denies them vehemently, saying he accepts China's territorial integrity and seeks autonomy not separation, advocates peaceful protest and wants to see the Olympics proceed smoothly. It has suited Beijing to portray the Tibetan leader in such a hostile light because of a wave of nationalist protest in China over potential disruption of the games. Their success is a matter of great pride for Chinese people and any such threats are deeply resented. But their leaders have correctly read the international mood demanding a political initiative and their decision should defuse an increasingly fraught confrontation.
It will help greatly if these talks can get under way promptly. They were immediately welcomed by French, German, British and other EU leaders, as by the US, all of whom have brought up the issue of human rights and were increasingly under pressure to do something real about it. They should encourage the Dalai Lama's representatives to negotiate on a principled but realistic agenda, as well as showing greater understanding of Chinese fears about Tibet. But this is a difficult and uncertain negotiation. The Tibetan demands for cultural recognition, economic and social equality in the face of extensive Han Chinese migration and economic domination and relaxation of harsh repression, must be addressed properly if the talks are to be meaningful.
A vast gulf separates attitudes on both sides, since most Chinese regard the Tibetan protests as unjustified and cannot understand the resentment and bitterness directed against them. With skill and foresight it may be possible to capitalise on the international attention given the issue this year. That will take a sensitive yet firm approach from outsiders.