President Ma Ying-jeou's comments on Wednesday follow widely circulated reports that the Dalai Lama wanted to come to the island in the coming months. -- PHOTO: AP
TAIPEI - TAIWAN'S president has ruled out a visit to his island by the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader.
President Ma Ying-jeou says 'the timing is not appropriate' for a visit by the Dalai Lama.
His comments on Wednesday follow widely circulated reports that the Dalai Lama wanted to come to the island in the coming months.
Such a visit would almost certainly anger China, long engaged in a campaign to clamp down on pro-independence activities in Tibet.
Mr Ma has made improved relations with Beijing the hallmark of his six-month-old administration. -- AP
