Chinese officials will meet representatives of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism who China blames for a wave of unrest, state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Friday, citing official sources.
"In view of the requests repeatedly made by the Dalai side for resuming talks, the relevant department of the central government will have contact and consultation with Dalai's private representative in the coming days," Xinhua quoted an official as saying.
China denounces the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile after a failed 1959 uprising against Communist rule, as a traitor but since the anti-government unrest began in March it has been under pressure to resume dialogue with his envoys.
"It is hoped that through contact and consultation, the Dalai side will take credible moves to stop activities aimed at splitting China, stop plotting and inciting violence and stop disrupting and sabotaging the Beijing Olympic Games so as to create conditions for talks," the official said.