Canada Hails Dalai, China Rages

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper rolled out the red carpet for the Dalai Lama yesterday, provoking the wrath of the Chinese government. The two men exchanged traditional white Tibetan silk scarves, with Harper's gift to his guest embroidered with the Canadian maple leaf. The Chinese are furious over the attention that has been paid recently to the Dalai Lama by Western leaders.

The exiled leader has traveled for years quietly lobbying for human rights in Tibet which was taken over by the Chinese in 1959. He told reporters he brought a message of peace. “I always believe non-violence is the best way to solve problems,” he said. "Minds can change through reason, affection.” Earlier this month the Dalai Lama was awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal. (More Canada stories.)