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About The Asian reporter. (Portland, Or.) 1991-current | View Entire Issue (March 20, 2017)
March 20, 2017 ASIA / PACIFIC THE ASIAN REPORTER n Page 3 America’s Premier Jewelry & Bead Shows GEM FAIRE APRIL 7, 8, 9 HILLSBORO Washington County Fairgrounds { 873 NE 34th Ave., Hillsboro, OR } BITING COMEDY. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks on “Reviving Indian Wisdom in Contem- porary India” at a public event in New Delhi, India. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang dismissed the Dalai Lama as “deceptive” after the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader criticized some Beijing leaders in an inter- view with British comedian John Oliver. (AP Photo/Tsering Topgyal) China not amused by Dalai Lama’s spot on John Oliver’s show By Gerry Shih The Associated Press EIJING — John Oliver won rave reviews for his “Last Week Tonight” interview showing the Dalai Lama in all his candor and wit. Beijing, however, was not amused. China’s foreign ministry said the exiled Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader had appeared “deceptive” on the HBO show where he criticized some Chinese leaders as small minded and mocked Beijing’s portrayal of him as “a demon.” The Dalai Lama’s comments about the contested issue of his reincarnation “appear to be funny and humorous, but they’re all lies,” ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a regularly scheduled news conference. He dismissed the show that aired in the U.S. as merely intended for entertainment purposes. China’s ruling Communist Party has long depicted the Dalai Lama as a danger- ous separatist and frequently objects when he meets with global political leaders and entertainment figures, seeing those events as suggesting he is a world leader himself. China’s leadership also insists it has the authority to appoint the Dalai Lama’s successor after his death. Traditional beliefs dictate that the highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism will be reincarnated in a boy who would subsequently be recog- nized as the new Dalai Lama by senior monks. But the current spiritual leader has said he would be happy if the title ends with his death. During the interview conducted at the Dalai Lama’s residence in India’s northern hill town of Dharmsala, Oliver asked the Dalai Lama if he was worried about the Chinese authorities naming his successor. The Dalai Lama did not answer the question directly but told Oliver that Chinese hardliners lacked common sense and “that part of the brain.” “They describe me as a demon,” the Dalai Lama said, referring to Beijing’s officials. “Then I immediately (say) I am a demon with horns,” he said, sticking his fingers up on either side of his head to laughter from Oliver and his audience. “Whatever they want, they want to say, that’s their opinion. I have no negative feelings. I just feel a laugh, like that,” he added. “I practice taking others’ anger, suspicion, distrust, and give them patience, tolerance, and compassion. I practice that.” Elsewhere in the interview, a discussion of alcoholism in Mongolia led to questions about the difference between horse and cow milk. The Dalai Lama also said he had been good at his job, adding: “I may say, quite intelligent.” The spat over the Dalai Lama’s reincar- B nation — and its implications about who will lead Tibetan Buddhism — is one of the biggest points of contention in the long-running feud between the exiled monk and Beijing. The Dalai Lama, who fled to India during an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, has said he simply wants a higher degree of autonomy for Tibet under Chinese rule. Growing serious, Oliver asked about the scores of Tibetans who have set them- selves on fire in recent years to protest repressive Chinese policies, something the Dalai Lama said saddened him deeply but which he couldn’t openly condemn to avoid hurting surviving family members even more. “From Buddhist viewpoint, this is self-killing, not good, So therefore, my position is very, very difficult, so best to remain silent, quiet,” he said. China’s government has accused him of encouraging the suicides as part of a campaign of violent separatism. The Dalai Lama “is a political exile en- gaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion,” Geng said. “We can now see that he’s also an actor. He’s very good at acting and he’s very deceptive.” The Dalai Lama interview was called “an unexpected delight” by online news site Vox, while sports and entertainment website Fansided described it as “like a hug for the soul.” q SHOW HOURS: FRI 12pm-6pm | SAT 10am-6pm | SUN 10am-5pm *Bring this ad to receive ONE EE FR dmission a ***** Admission $7 JEWELRY ² CRYSTALS Jewelry Repair GEMS ² BEADS ² SILVER Largest MINERALS Selection ² FOSSILS New Vendors! Jewelry Repair | Largest Selection | New Vendors! *Not valid w with other offer. ONE per person. Property of Gem Faire, Inc, can be revoked without notice. Non-transferrable. Sponsored by GEM FAIRE, INC | (503) 252-8300 | GEMFAIRE.COM SLOW INTERNET? GET EXEDE! STARTING AT 49 $ 99 MONTH Malaysia says it has consent to decide on Kim’s body KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — A senior Malaysian police official says the family of Kim Jong Nam, who was killed last month, has given consent to Malaysia to decide what to do with his body. Officials say police confirmed Kim’s identity using the DNA of one of his children. Kim was holding a diplomatic passport by the name of Kim Chol when he was attacked February 13 at Kuala Lumpur’s airport by two women who smeared the banned VX nerve agent on his face. He died within 20 minutes. Deputy national police chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim said Kim’s family will let the government decide what to do with his body. Noor Rashid said any decision will be subject to negotiations between the two countries amid a diplomatic standoff over the killing. CALL TODAY! BLUE TIDE SATELLITE & INTERNET 503-278-5926 One-time standard installation fee may be charged at the time of sale. Minimum 24-month service term. Monthly service fee, equipment lease fee and taxes apply. Speeds are “up to,” are not guaranteed and will vary. Service is not available in all areas. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Exede is a registered service mark of ViaSat, Inc. Celebrate The Year of the Rooster! January 28, 2017 to February 15, 2018 The Asian Reporter’s Lunar New Year special section in honor of the Rooster Year is available online at <www.asianreporter.com>.
