China open to Dalai Lama's return to Tibet after 65 years if he 'returns to right path'

China has stated that it is open to the return of the Tibetan Buddhist leader, the Dalai Lama, after 65 years in exile in India, if he can "return to the right path." This statement has sparked widespread international attention and has left some room for future dialogue. The prospect of his return remains a complex and sensitive issue.

The Nobel Peace Prize laureate will celebrate his 90th birthday in July this year. He fled Tibet for India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, but has consistently expressed his desire to return to Tibet before his death. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jia Kun stated at a press conference on Monday that China is willing to engage in dialogue regarding his future, as long as the Dalai Lama abandons his position of splitting the "motherland." This stance reflects China's long-held position on the matter.

This announcement comes after the death of the Dalai Lama's older brother, Gyalo Thondup, at the age of 97. Gyalo Thondup had served as an unofficial envoy for the Dalai Lama in negotiations with Chinese officials. Guo Jia Kun stated: "The Dalai Lama needs to publicly acknowledge that Tibet and Taiwan are inseparable parts of China, and that the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government of China." These are the fundamental principles that China insists upon.

However, Dolma Tsering Teykhang, the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, dismissed these conditions. Teykhang, like the Dalai Lama, resides in the small Himalayan town of Dharamshala in India. She said: "It is impossible for His Holiness to lie, it will not happen. If they ask His Holiness to talk about Tibet being an inseparable part of China, that is distorting history. By distorting history, you cannot reach a peaceful and amicable solution." Her statement highlights the deep divisions and historical grievances that persist.

The Dalai Lama relinquished his role as the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile in 2011, a government that Beijing does not recognize. Since then, official talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama have stalled, but Teykhang stated that discussions through unofficial channels are still ongoing, though she declined to provide details. As the Dalai Lama ages, the question of his successor becomes increasingly urgent. China insists that it will choose the Dalai Lama's successor. However, the Dalai Lama has stated that he will clarify the issue of succession, such as whether and where he will reincarnate, around his 90th birthday in July, in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist beliefs. The future of the institution of the Dalai Lama remains uncertain.

Teykhang, who was born in Tibet, stated that she hopes the Dalai Lama will be able to return home, which requires the efforts of people within China. She said: "I very much hope that His Holiness can visit Tibet, that he will go to his Potala Palace. I very much hope so." Her words reflect the longing of many Tibetans for the Dalai Lama's return.