US asks China to hold substantive dialogue with Dalai Lama

The US today asked China to hold "substantive dialogue" with the Dalai Lama or his representative to address Tibetan concerns and open the Tibet region for foreigners as America's envoy in China made a rare visit to the area.
"We continue to call on the Chinese government to engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without pre-conditions as the best means to address Tibetan concerns and the current unrest," State Department spokesperson Patrick Ventrell told reporters at his daily news conference.
US Ambassador to China Gary Locke is currently making a trip to the Tibetan areas with members of his family and several officials from the embassy and consulate general of Chengdu.

"Ambassador Locke visited the Tibet Autonomous Region to increase familiarity with local conditions and meet with officials and residents," Ventrell said.
"In his official meetings, Ambassador Locke discussed the importance of opening up access to Tibet for diplomats, foreign journalists and foreign tourists. He also emphasised the importance of preserving the Tibetan people's cultural heritage, including its unique linguistic, religious and cultural traditions," the State Department official said.
The United States, Ventrell, said remains concerned by the deteriorating human rights situation in Tibetan areas that has played a role in tragic self-immolations.