New Delhi has twice had to fend off diplomatic protests from China on the Dalai Lama's public appearances in barely a fortnight. However, Beijing's acute attack of "Lama-itis" is a global affliction. China recently forced South Africa to refuse the Tibetan leader a visa. It had him
disinvited from a Cambodian conference in December last year. But others have cocked a snook: Mongolians ignored Beijing and the Buddhist leader visited their country in November.
Even US President Barack Obama, an early votary of partnership with China, met His Holiness in July.
Because the Dalai Lama resides in India, say officials, China has taken a different tack to his activities here. Beijing publicly tolerates any activity that does not have the entre's imprimatur.
"They don't mind if he meets state government officials," said an official.
Broadly, China still abides by this rule. However, it has become intolerant of even accidental infractions. Beijing reportedly rejected Indian compromises regarding the World Buddhist Conference in New Delhi such as having the Dalai Lama speak after the Indian president departed or the president not showing up at all.
China doesn't accept New Delhi's argument that in the case of the Kolkatta conference, Governor MK Narayan had accepted when the Tibetan leader was not a participant.
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