Speaking at a joint press conference with the Chinese leader on Monday evening, former Polish prime minister Tusk praised “China's ambitious reform process,” but suggested that this could be expanded to other spheres.
“I expressed our concerns on freedom of expression and association in China, including the situation of the persons belonging to minorities such as Tibetans and Uighurs,” Tusk told journalists.
“In that context, I have encouraged China to resume a meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama's representatives.”
The 14th Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of the Tibetans, fled his homeland in 1959 in the wake of a doomed uprising against Chinese rule.
The Dalai Lama has resided for over half a century in Dharamsala, northern India, where the Tibetan government-in-exile is also based.
“The 70th year since the end of World War II is a moment to reflect on our shared duty to promote reconciliation and cooperation in our respective regions,” Tusk said.
Greek referendum
Meanwhile, with a referendum in Greece due this Sunday on the latest bail-out for the country by the EU, Tusk made further comments.
“When it comes to Greece, I have just one comment to make. Every government has a right to hold a referendum therefore we respect the Greek decision and it is not my role to interfere in Greek domestic politics.
“However one thing should be very clear,” he added.
“If someone says that the government will have a stronger negotiating position with the NO vote, it is simply not true.
“I am afraid that with such a result of the referendum there will be even less space for negotiations.”
Prime Minister Li Keqiang said that “Europe has China's support when it comes to dealing with the challenges of the international financial crisis and the debt problem in Greece.”
He noted that a strong euro and a united European Union were in China's interests. (nh)