Dalai Lama Is Warned on U.S. Meeting

China’s governor of Tibet warned this week that the Dalai Lama’s planned meeting with U.S. officials could jeopardize the exiled leader’s chance of returning to Tibet.

But the governor also expressed optimism over diplomatic progress, saying recent trips to Tibet by representatives of the Dalai Lama’s government in exile have been crucial to improving relations.

“We very much welcome overseas Tibetans returning for a look, including the Dalai Lama’s representatives,” Jampa Phuntsog, governor of the Tibet Autonomous Region, told Reuters.

The Dalai Lama is expected to meet with President Bush next month. A meeting between them in May 2001 irritated Chinese officials, who accused the United States of encouraging separatist activities.