Doors are open for Dalai Lama, says China

China on Thursday said the "door is wide open" for the Dalai Lama to return from exile if the spiritual leader sheds the demand for an independent Tibet but ruled out any contact with the India-based Tibetan government in exile.

China's top Tibetan official said "it all depends" on the Dalai Lama to act in light of Chinese government's stand.

"It all depends on the Dalai Lama himself whether he returns or not. The key lies with him. The door is wide open and he knows the Chinese government's stance for sure," Padma Choling, Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, told a press conference held in connection with 60th year "liberation of Tibet" by China.

This is perhaps a rare occasion that a Chinese official spoke about the return of the Dalai Lama from his exile in Dharmashala.