China says the project is part of its plan to promote Tibetan culture and language in the region as it develops its economy, of which tourism forms a major part.
The Dalai's visit, ostensibly aimed at comforting victims of last month's deadly
typhoon, has posed the most serious challenge to relations between the island
and the mainland since Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou took office 15 months ago, the
party said.
We got a call from them saying they could not attend. They said they had to
postpone the visit due to technical reasons and would not provide details. But I
think you and I know why,"
Beijing had warned that the Dalai Lama's visit was "bound to have a negative
influence on the relations between the mainland and Taiwan."
The mainland has canceled or postponed several events meant to highlight its rapidly improving relations with Taiwan, apparently in a show of dissatisfaction over the Dalai Lama's visit to the island, Taiwan's ruling party said Tuesday