McCain Meets With Dalai Lama

Senator McCain met with the Dalai Lama and urged China to address human rights concerns and free Tibetan prisoners:

"I urge the Chinese leaders to engage in talks and make progress with his Holiness' representatives in addressing the just grievances of the Tibetan people," McCain said, with the Dalai Lama at his side.

"I urge the Chinese government to release Tibetan political prisoners, account for Tibetans that have 'disappeared' since the protests in March, and engage in meaningful dialogue and genuine autonomy for Tibet."

The exiled Tibetan leader said McCain had shown "genuine concern" for human rights, democracy and environmental concerns with regards to China.

Senator McCain's meeting with the Dalai Lama demonstrates sympathy for critics of the Chinese regime at a time when the world's attention is focused on the country for the Olympics.

The Dalai Lama has become a symbol of the struggle for Tibetan autonomy and political and human rights in China.

China's government strongly objects to foreign leaders meeting with the Dalai Lama. McCain's visit with the Dali Lama draws another distinction between himself and the president, who's going to the Olympics.