China Warns Japan Against Allowing Dalai Lama Stopover
(Japan Today | November 2, 2002)
China is warning Japan not to allow the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, to stop over in Japan before proceeding on a visit to Mongolia from Monday, supporters of the Dalai Lama in Japan said Friday.
The supporters said Japan is again expected to give the go-ahead to the stopover as it had allowed him nine times before to enter the country on condition he does not get involved in political activity. The latest move is expected to put further strain on Japan-China ties following Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's postponed visit to China and his pilgrimage to Tokyo's controversial Yasukuni Shrine that honors war criminals, analysts say.
The Dalai Lama last stayed in Japan in April 2000. Supporters said he will be visiting Mongolia for religious purposes from Monday to Friday.
The Dalai Lama is to arrive at Narita airport near Tokyo on Monday and later that night head to the Mongolian capital of Ulan Bator, according to the supporters. The leader will then return to Japan Friday afternoon and stay the night before heading back to India the next day, they said.
China may also urge the Mongolian government to refuse him entry, the supporters said.
The Chinese government strongly opposes any international appearances by the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing regularly condemns as a troublemaker and "splittist."
Friends of Tibet (INDIA),
PO Box 16674, Bombay 400050
www.friendsoftibet.org