If you weren't on the Mall in Washington, D.C. to hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama speak as part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, you can listen to his full address here. The Wisdom Teachings of the Dalai Lama By The Dalai Lama, edited by Matthew E. Bunson Inspiration from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. I believe strongly that the international community has an obligation to morally and politically support the Chinese democracy movement. It has been wise not to isolate China but instead to make efforts to bring her into the mainstream of the world economy. But economic integration alone is not sufficient.
China needs human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
These values are the foundation of a free, dynamic, stable, and peaceful society. Such a society would also offer far greater economic freedom, security, and other advantages. Therefore, every effort should be made to bring China also into the mainstream of the world democracy. In the final analysis, it is dedicated and courageous members of the Chinese democracy movement who will lead China into a future of freedom and democracy and no one else. For that reason, the Chinese democracy movement must be given every possible assistance, encouragement, and support.