The US Department of State was pleased to learn that Mr. Lodi Gyari, the Dalai Lama’s Special Envoy, and his delegation have arrived in China for talks with the Chinese government. This is the third visit of the Dalai Lama’s envoys since September 2002. The second visit occurred in May-June 2003.

The President and the Secretary continue to discuss with Chinese leaders the need for substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to resolve longstanding differences. The Administration will follow this visit with great interest and we look forward to hearing more at the conclusion of the talks. We hope this trip will encourage substantive dialogue between the two sides.