The Catalyst

By Brianna Hoskins, Reporter

Taiwan and China are in the midst of an international debate because of the proposed trip by the Dalia Lama to the former. Taiwan lost 670 lives when Typhoon Morakot hit August 8 and 9, the Dalia Lama was scheduled to speak there to soothe the hearts of typhoon’s victims. China's Taiwan Affairs Bureau states that "No matter under what form or identity Dalai uses to enter Taiwan, we resolutely oppose this." However, Taiwan’s Presidential spokesman, Wang Yu-chi told reporters that "We welcome the Dalai Lama to come to Taiwan to take part in mass prayers for humanitarian and religious considerations ... and we believe it will not harm cross-Strait relations." China and Taiwan, only 100 miles apart, have been in debate over if Taiwan is a sole entity or if it is a possession of the Chinese government for over 50 years. The Chinese government blocking the Dalia Lama from entering Taiwan could be a bargaining chip for China to gain power. The Dalia Lama had accepted the invitation “in principle,” but it could cost the cross-Strait relations more strife than peace because of China’s firm view on the trip.