Presidents, Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, Nobel Laureates, Parliamentarians, and concerned citizens from every part of the world have been sending clear and strong messages to the Chinese leadership to stop the present ongoing harsh crackdown against the Tibetan people. They have all been encouraging the Chinese government to follow a path where a mutually beneficial solution could be reached.

The Dalai Lama has worked tirelessly for decades to bring the issue of Tibet to the attention of the international community, and he continues to be received by many of the world’s most influential leaders. His popularity infuriates China, whose officials work hard to discourage any show of political support for His Holiness, and threaten reprisals against nations whose leaders meet him.

President Barack Obama of the United States of America delivered an emphatic message to China that his nation would adhere to its principles of democracy and freedom on 5 February 2015, by welcoming his “good friend” His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the United States Congress’ National Prayer Breakfast. Read below for Tibet Action Institutes “10 reasons why world leaders should meet the Dalai Lama”.

Top 10 Reasons World Leaders Should Meet with the Dalai Lama
1. It’s the right thing to do.
2. Shines a global spotlight on Tibet, one of the darkest corners of the world in terms of human rights violations.
3. Keeps the pressure on the Chinese leadership about the Tibet issue. Building pressure is about the only thing that makes progress – and eventually, real negotiations – possible.
4. Sends a message of hope to Tibetans in Tibet. Without hope, the Tibet issue would have died decades ago.
5. Demonstrates genuine commitment to universal principles of human rights, rather than just paying lip service.
6. Shows young Chinese that Tibet matters, helping make a future resolution more likely.
7. Promotes world peace. The Dalai Lama is the most recognizable icon of nonviolence alive today. There is no better way to promote peace than to encourage nonviolence.
8. It’s a show of strength. China is a bully and ultimately respects strength. Standing up to Chinese leaders makes it less likely they will try such tactics in the future.
9. It calls Beijing’s bluff. If all leaders do it, Beijing might complain, but will not be able to challenge or damage relations with all of them.
10. It’s good for their global public image. The Dalai Lama is likely far more popular and recognizable than they are.