The BBC (see below) is reporting that the South African government may be bowing to pressure from China in its decision to block the Dalai Lama’s entry. If true (and what other reason could there be?), it is yet another signal that doing business with China carries its own conditions. And if South Africa cannot stand up to such pressures, what other African states can?
South Africa ‘blocks’ Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama was due at a peace conference this weekThe South African government has defended its decision to deny entry to the Dalai Lama, amid charges it is bowing to pressure from China.
The Tibetan spiritual leader was due to attend a peace meeting in Johannesburg this week, along with fellow Nobel laureates Desmond Tutu and FW de Klerk.
But the authorities have not granted an entry visa, saying the invitation did not come from official channels.
Archbishop Tutu has threatened to pull out of the conference over the issue.
Speculation is rife in the local media that the government caved in to pressure from Beijing.
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Michael Nelson 