BEIJING, China – In a news conference on Sunday the Dalai Lama, who is exiled in India and the Tibetan spiritual leader, accused China of waging “cultural genocide” against Tibetan monks and called for an investigation into the suppression of protests. “Whether intentionally or unintentionally, some kind of cultural genocide is taking place,” the Dalai Lama said, referring to China’s policy of encouraging members of the ethnic Han majority to migrate to the region. “It’s really desperate,” he told the BBC. “Things become tense as the Tibetan side is determined, the Chinese side also equally determined. So that means the result is killing.”  China’s provincial government in Tibet rejected the Dalai Lama’s assertion regarding cultural genocide and said the population enjoys religious freedom.

During the news conference, the Dalai Lama expressed his fear of another crackdown like in the late 1980s, when the Chinese government declared martial law and violently suppressed demonstrations in Tibet.  Under martial law, hundreds Tibetans died.  However, he told reporters he was powerless to stop the protests.  “I do feel helpless,” he said. “I feel very sad, very serious, very anxious. Cannot do anything.”  The Dalai Lama also endorsed the right of his people to press grievances against the Chinese authorities and reminded reporters that he was not calling for secession. “As far as material development concerned, we get much benefit” from being part of China, he said.  He also remained supportive of the Olympic Games being held in China.

The protests began a week ago in Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, and have quickly evolved into the largest outpouring of Tibetan rage against Chinese rule in 20 years.  The Chinese have deployed thousands of troops and rolled out tanks to suppress Tibet protests.  According to Tibet’s government-in-exile, at least 80 people died since protests began last week, which disputes the official death toll of 10.

For more information, please see:

International Herald Tribune – Dalai Lama assails curbs on protest in Tibet – 17 March 2008.

The Independent – Dalai Lama attacks ‘cultural genocide’ – 17 March 2008.

The Seattle Times – Tibet protests spread to other provinces as Dalai Lama warns of “cultural genocide” – 17 March 2008.