Editorial: Honoring the Dalai Lama

Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007 | 7:18 a.m.

Over the strong objection of Chinese officials, the Dalai Lama on Wednesday received the Congressional Gold Medal.

Chinese officials tried pressuring the United States to cancel the ceremony and even grumbled that this would have an "extremely serious impact" on the countries' relationship. They called on countries to stop honoring him, painting him as a traitor.

The New York Times reported Tuesday that Chinese officials have increased their rhetoric against the Dalai Lama even as they have discussed some sort of reconciliation with him. The revered spiritual leader of Tibet's Buddhists, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the Dalai Lama has lived in exile since China put down an uprising in his country in 1959.

White House officials have made a distinction between religion and politics in this case, calling the Dalai Lama "a great spiritual leader," and not a leader of a separatist movement in Tibet. President Bush and the first lady met with the Dalai Lama privately on Tuesday, and the White House lauded his advocacy for Tibetans to "worship freely and protect their lands."

The Dalai Lama has advocated a "middle way" that would keep Tibet under Chinese rule but with a greater level of autonomy. Chinese leaders dismiss his view, and the pressure on the United States is yet another effort to silence the Dalai Lama and keep Tibet out of the news.

China has tried to use its newfound economic and political strength to bully other nations, hiding its horrific record on human rights.

China's efforts to curb religious freedom are abhorrent. America is right to stand up to China and honor the Dalai Lama. This Congressional Gold Medal sends an important message to the world: Trampling on basic human rights should not be condoned.