Sydney University criticised for blocking Dalai Lama

Guardian 20 April 2013

One of Australia's most exclusive universities has been accused of bowing to China after calling off a talk to students by the Dalai Lama, reports the Guardian.

Sydney University, ranked in the world's top 50, cancelled the visit by the Nobel peace laureate, scheduled for June, to avoid damaging its ties with China, including funding for its Confucius Institute, Tibetan activists and Australian politicians said.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard was heavily criticised for refusing to meet the Dalai Lama during a visit in 2011, to avoid damaging two-way trade worth A$120 billion (US$123 billion). This month she led a trade delegation to meet Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, with the countries agreeing to a new strategic partnership including yearly talks between leaders on foreign policy and economics.
Full report on the Guardian site

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