For a third consecutive time, South Africa has made it clear to the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama that he is not welcome to visit. Most recently, the Dalai Lama was informed he would not receive a visa, forcing the controversial religious leader to cancel his visit to attend the upcoming World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in October. Although Pretoria officially denies that it is singling out the Dalai Lama, it is universally accepted that the government is not interested in antagonizing China, its larger trading partner. Furthermore, South Africa is not alone as China leverages its expanding influence to further isolate the Dalai Lama, making it increasingly difficult for him to find an audience abroad.
Recommendations
- “It’s Business, Mr Lama, Nothing Personal,” J. Brooks Spector, The Daily Maverick, September 5, 2014
- “China Voices Appreciation After South Africa Refuses Dalai Lama Visa,” Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, September 5, 2014