October 11, 2007

Thumbing Noses At Allies One Day At A Time

Yesterday, the U.S. Congress angered Turkey. Today, the White House confirmed that President Bush is about to do the same to China.

Press secretary Dana Perino confirmed that the president will meet once again with the Dalai Lama. Bush has met with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader before, much to China's chagrin, but next week will mark the first time the two will appear together publicly.

The Dalai Lama will be a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. Perino said Bush had already informed Chinese President Hu Jintao that he would be attending the Oct. 17 award ceremony, but Perino confirmed for the first time today that there will also be a one-on-one meeting on Oct. 16.

China has already expressed displeasure with Bush's plan to attend the ceremony. Earlier this week, an official said the Nobel Peace Prize recipient was "a political exile who undertakes secessionist activities abroad."

Reuters and AFP have more on next week's ceremony.

Posted at 5:49 PM
Posted to: Asia, Bush Administration, China, President Bush
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