I just read this report from the BBC, and had a major flash back to my honors thesis:
A peace conference for Nobel laureates in South Africa has been called off over Pretoria’s refusal to allow the Dalai Lama to attend, organisers said.
The fact that they have refused to allow the Dalai Lama actually might say a lot about what China is doing in Africa. This is another case where we once again see China getting involved in the domestic affairs of a nation, despite claiming to be opposed to such actions.
This is not the only time it has happened. In another instance, China threatened to withdraw support from Zambia after opposition leaders claimed that they would stop supporting China, and start supporting Taiwan. The opposition party did not win, but the ruling party felt the need to issue an apology to the Chinese government.
The aid that they are providing is generous and helpful, but it cannot be seen as absent of any strings. In this latest instance, there are still a lot of assumptions floating around, and it is hard to say anything with a great deal of certainty. I actually almost wish they would have allowed him, becuase I think the response from Beijing would have been very interesting.
Anyway, more when I learn more.
