The Dalai Lama has expressed hope that status quo on Tibet will not remain for long as Chinese people on the whole back Tibetan demand for greater autonomy within China.
"This kind of situation cannot remain forever. Sooner or later, [we] have to face this reality," said the Dalai Lama, who celebrated his 76th birthday last week, in an interview to Radio Free Asia (RFA) on Monday.
"Year by year, voices about democracy, rule of law, free information, now these things [are] increasing," he said, noting that no one knows how long this is going to continue.
People of China on the whole back Tibetan demand for greater autonomy because the Tibetan struggle is based on non-violence and the principle that Tibet will remain within China, he said.
Asked about rising criticism among younger Tibetans about his "Middle Way" approach to seeking greater autonomy for Tibet, the Dalai Lama told RFA the question should be referred to the newly elected political leadership in the Tibetan government-in-exile for assessment.
"The younger generation criticises our way of approach. That is understandable," he said, but was quick to add that based on his feedback from people of all levels inside Tibet, all of them fully support the approach of not seeking separation.
{{/usCountry}}"The younger generation criticises our way of approach. That is understandable," he said, but was quick to add that based on his feedback from people of all levels inside Tibet, all of them fully support the approach of not seeking separation.
{{/usCountry}}"Because we strictly follow [the] non-violence principle," he added.
"large numbers of Chinese Han brothers and sisters, intellectuals, and some students fully support, fully appreciate, and show solidarity with us."
So, the young people should know that, he observed.