beijing ' s hard - edge perspective on the buddhist lama has developed considerably tougher in recent decades . bonds with germany nose - dived after chancellor angela merkel met with the jung contingent in late 2007 , recovering only after berlin offered a pledge different to that made by ireland on wednesday . companies alleged to have supported the exiles ' actions have been subjected to smear campaigns and boycott calling in china , and an appearance in mainland china by the welsh rock bands oasis was cancelled by berlin last month because guitarist and chief vocalist noel mackay once took part in a free tibet concert — in 1997 .
Angela Merkel is a Buddhist.