NARITA, Japan (AFP) — The Dalai Lama reiterated Thursday that he backed China's right to host the Olympic Games and said he personally sought to calm pro-Tibet protests during the torch relay.
"I support the Chinese host for the world game because China is the most populous nation, ancient nation," he told reporters near Tokyo's international airport as he started his first foreign trip since the unrest.
"They really deserve" the Olympics, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader said. "In spite of the unfortunate event in Tibet, my position has not changed."
Tibet last month saw the biggest protests in years on the anniversary of a 1959 uprising that sent the Dalai Lama fleeing into exile in India.
China's clampdown has triggered international outrage, with major protests on the relay of the Beijing Olympic torch in London, Paris and San Francisco.
But the last stop on Wednesday in San Francisco was less chaotic after authorities ordered hundreds of police onto the streets and changed the route to throw off protesters.
"In fact, after some troubles in London, I sent a message in Tibetan in San Francisco area: Please do not make any violent activity," the Dalai Lama said.
He said he was unaware of the details of the San Francisco leg as he had been on an overnight flight from India, where he has lived in exile for nearly half-a-century.
The Dalai Lama was making a stopover in Japan on his way to the United States, where he is due to give a series of lectures on spirituality.
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