I believe that few South Africans can justifiably support China's stance on Tibet. While I am wholly aware that China's economic might dictates the government's attitude on the Tibetan issue, I also cannot ignore the stark similarity between apartheid South Africa and Tibet, both marked by terrible abuses and lack of human rights. For any reasonable South African to speak ill of the Dalai Lama or the general populace of the Tibet who simply seek genuine autonomy is alarming. As for China meddling in the affairs of Prince Buthelezi, it shows how desperate the PRC is to silence people and worse still deny our own citizen's our right to freely associate with whomever we choose. China is well aware that the world's view on Tibet is fast changing and that support for human rights is driven by millions of people. I commend the government for standing firm on the issue. Long live the Dalai Lama! Rangzen! Tibet was free, it will be soon!

I think the "Anonymous" who doesn't know who the Dalai Lama is, is a product of OBE - I've said all along that all it will produce is opinionated ignoramuses.
Agree re beware the Dragon - the ANC should know that he who sups with the devil should use a long spoon. Yet another example of the ANC's moral expediency if not bankruptcy, give China's appalling human rights record.

@ Anonymous why comment on something of which you patently know nothing?

@ Anonymous . Get your facts right before you make any comments.

@Anonymous ... go and do your own research about the Dalai Lama ... you might be surprised to find that he is everything but a fighter ... unless you define advocating peace and harmony for the world as fighting. This is just ridiculous and I have to agree with Quasha ... beware of the Dragon!

What is this Dalai Lama all about?Is he some sort of 'freedom fighter'?I think China has every right to define and protect its boarders,I think Tibet might be security risk if not controlled.

Africa. Beware of the Dragon. If you need to know how a man will treat a foreigner. See first how he treats members of his own family. Beware of the Dragon.

Why is China so scared of the Dalai Lama? The entire civilised world does not hold China in any esteem at all. Their human rights record is appalling, and besides that, they eat anything that moves.

I'm no supporter of the Dalai Lama or his aspirations to re-establish his feudal culture lordship over Tibet, but FFS!!! China has no right to deny anyone the right to travel and meet with him. x-(

Of course China will try and block leaders from meeting about Tibet. They have invaded and kept an illegal hold on the country for many years now. But don't think Buthelezi was the only one to receive a letter. I bet you many other leaders also got one.