Dalai Lama: Tibet doesn't seek independence from China
What's the story
Speaking in Kolkata, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama stated that his people do not seek independence from China, but prefer "greater development."
He classified the Sino-Tibetan relationship as "close," although they had "occasional fights."
Thousands of Tibetans, including Buddhist-monks, have been seeking independence from China since it invaded and occupied Tibet in 1950.
Here's more on what he said.
Introduction
China and the Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama fled from Tibet to India in 1959 following the failure of the Tibetan uprising, fearing death from Chinese soldiers.
China has since then forbidden him from entering Tibet.
Tibetans have since set up a government in exile in Dharamshala.
Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama has been pushing for the protection of the Tibetan people's religious freedoms at various international forums.
Details
What did Dalai Lama say?
Dalai Lama stressed that Tibetans wished to stay with China for "greater development."
He stated, with China had become more integrated with the world, resulting in it changing 40-50% of what it was earlier.
He urged China to respect Tibetan heritage and culture.
"Tibet has a different culture ...... the Chinese people love their own country. We love our own country," he said.
Quote
On the ecological significance of Tibet
Dalai Lama recalled the Tibetan Plateau had been referred to as the 'third pole.' "From Yangtze to Sindhu, major rivers ... come from Tibet. Billions of lives are involved. Taking care of the Plateau is not only good for Tibet but for billions of people."