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Talks between China and Dalai's envoys fail

Last updated on: November 10, 2008 14:12 IST

China on Monday said that the latest round of talks with envoys of the Dalai Lama failed to make progress on the vexed Tibet issue and vowed that it would never compromise on the status of the Himalayan region.

"Our contacts and talks failed to make progress and (the Dalai's representatives) should assume full responsibility for it," the ruling Communist Party of China said in a statement on the eighth round of talks held in Beijing from November 5.

Tibet Revolts

The Chinese side held parleys with Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen, the two envoys of the Tibetan spiritual leader.   

The unification of the motherland, territorial integrity and national dignity are the greatest interests of the Chinese people, it said.

"We will never make a concession," it emphasised.

Shanghai Diary: Why the Chinese are unhappy

Meanwhile, at a briefing, Zhu Weiqun, executive vice minister of the Communist Party's United Front Work Department, said the talks had centred mostly on the Dalai Lama and his policies.

"We merely talked about how the Dalai Lama should completely give up his separatist opinions and actions and strive for the understanding of the central authorities and all Chinese people so as to solve the issue concerning his own prospects," Zhu said.

 Why is India doing China's dirty job?

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet following a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule in his Himalayan homeland.

Fresh violence erupted in the Tibetan capital Lhasa on March 14 this year against Chinese rule, and spread to other areas of western China.

China has accused the 73-year-old Dalai Lama, who seeks 'genuine autonomy' for Tibet, of instigating anti-Beijing riots in Tibet and other areas, a charge he has rejected.

Revolt in Tibet: Implications for India

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