With the impending visit of the Dalai Lama to Botswana, China’s Foreign Minister, Lu Kang, reiterated China’s stance on the Dalai Lama’s visits to foreign countries on Wednesday. Kang’s words, “China never intervenes in the internal affairs of other countries, nor will it allow other countries to harm its core interests.”, serve as a stern warning to Botswana.
The Dalai Lama is considered to be a pro-Tibetan Independence separatist and a political dissident in China and has lived in exile in India since 1959, following a failed Tibetan uprising. It is clear to see why China does not take kindly to foreign countries accommodating the Dalai Lama, as they view it as “harm to its core interests.”
This isn’t the first time that Botswana has strained its diplomatic relations with China. In February 2016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation angered China due to a veiled condemnation of the latter’s actions in the South China Sea. However, the tensions quickly subsided and the two countries moved on.
There has been much speculation regarding the potential repercussions over the visit. China is a major investor in Botswana and many within the country see this as a threat to the local economy – especially when it comes to diamonds, Botswana’s largest export by value. Additionally, some Chinese state-owned companies have also been contracted to develop roads, power stations, dams and other infrastructure. On the other hand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has assured the public that the Dalai Lama’s visit will not affect trade with China. Botswana observes the One China Policy and maintains formal ties with China, as opposed to Taiwan. An important aspect of the One China Policy is acknowledging Tibet as part of China.
Neighbouring South Africa has denied the Dalai Lama a visa three times, most likely because of the same fears over straining economic and diplomatic ties with its fellow BRICS member nation.
China has invested widely in Africa over the past few years, a strategy that has been criticised as “The New Colonialism“, as it creates dependency from African nations and gives the world’s second largest economy further leverage over many of the countries it has invested in.
The exiled spiritual leader is set to participate in a 3-day conference titled: “Botho/Ubuntu: A Dialogue on Spirituality, Science, Humanity with the Dalai Lama,” as the honorary guest, from August 17 to 19. You can read more about the event at botswanadialogue.org
