Dalai Lama says lack of access to information is an obstacle to peaceful change in China

The Dalai Lama has said that one of “the great obstacles to peaceful change in China at present is that the Chinese people have only limited access to reliable and realistic sources of information.” In a message to the10th Interethnic /Interfaith Leadership Conference is taking place in the Washington, DC. Region, he said, “If the Chinese leadership were to adopt more practical and realistic policies, it would be possible for the issues faced by Tibetans, Mongols, Uyghurs, and even the Chinese people themselves, to be addressed in a just manner.” “The Chinese leadership emphasises the need for harmony and stability, but attempting to create these conditions by use of force is counterproductive,” the Dalai Lama added.

Following is the full text of his message read at the conference by Mr. Kaydor Aukatsang, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Americas, on April 27 morning. The conference, organized by the Initiatives for China, is being held from April 27 to 30, 2015. It is being participated by Chinese, Uyghurs, Mongols, Taiwanese as well as Tibetans from Dharamsala, Taiwan and the United States. Messages from Members of Congress as well as a video message from Sikyong Lobsang Sangay were conveyed to the delegates during the inaugural session.

I am happy to know that the 10th Interethnic /Interfaith Leadership Conference is taking place in Washington, DC. I believe that your fundamental aim in convening this conference is securing justice and truth. This is admirable; at the same time it is also very important to remember that this is a struggle that should be pursued through nonviolent means, through dialogue and discussion.

One of the great obstacles to peaceful change in China at present is that the Chinese people have only limited access to reliable and realistic sources of information. If the Chinese leadership were to adopt more practical and realistic policies, it would be possible for the issues faced by Tibetans, Mongols, Uyghurs, and even the Chinese people themselves, to be addressed in a just manner. The Chinese leadership emphasises the need for harmony and stability, but attempting to create these conditions by use of force is counterproductive.

Change in China is inevitable, but it may take time. The recently completed fourth plenum noted the needs and concerns of the rural population and poor working people. This includes creating a judicial system that functions to international standards. I want to stress what I have often said before that China, like other countries, belongs to its citizens. What is more, the Chinese people, who are a hardworking and realistic people, not only have a right to reliable information, but having found it they have the ability to judge right from wrong. I hope you will be able to deliberate on some of these issues.

With my prayers and good wishes for the success of your conference.

The Dalai Lama
25 April 2015