German Rift Over Dalai Lama Visit

The Dalai Lama is visiting Germany, and German political parties quarrel over his welcome and the possibility of offending China. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier refused to schedule a meeting with the Nobel laureate – and Christian Democrats, the party of Chancellor Angela Merkel, accused him of cowardice. “The differences reflect a deeper rift between Ms. Merkel and Mr. Steinmeier, and their parties, on issues ranging from relations with Russia and Turkey to Germany’s stance on international security concerns,” write Hugh Williamson and James Blitz for the Financial Times. Despite its insistence on a policy of non-interference regarding domestic matters, the Chinese government expresses disapproval about other governments receiving dignitaries such as the Dalai Lama. – YaleGlobal