A cynical view of the talks would suggest that Beijing might just string along the Tibetans until the Olympics are launched next month. Tibetans, of course, know this. They might not be interested in further talks if there is not much promise this time around. The question, then, is whether the two sides can do just enough to keep the talks going?

Cautious Karmapa

Remember Ogyen Trinlay Dorje, the young Karmapa? For a monk bold enough to escape from the Chinese custody in Tibet to India nearly a decade ago, the Karmapa’s ultracautious response to the recent dramatic developments in Tibet has been somewhat curious.

That he is recognised by both the Dalai Lama and Beijing may have something to do with attempted ‘non-alignment’ between the two sides. He praises the Dalai Lama for being his spiritual guru, but is careful to avoid any harsh words against Beijing. Whoever said Tibetan politics are simple and straightforward?

The writer is a Professor at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore iscrmohan@ntu.edu.sg