@ Jonathan #36 - That's a well phrased and thought out response. However, New Zealanders Have a history of standing up for what we believe to be morally right, even if our views are contrary to whoever the current world power or powers be . A more recent example of this would have been our anti-nuclear stance , which angered the United States greatly . There may have been repercussions from this , but they have all been bearable. In a similar way , If Mr Key had chosen to meet the Dalai Lama, it would've been a subtle message to the Chinese Government that New Zealanders do not agree with the invasion and occupation of Tibet. If there was a economic reaction from China to this , I doubt it would have been too severe. Diplomatically speaking , it is a step down from Mr Key openly denouncing the invasion, which I believe would bring on a more serious political and economic response , but it would still send a message that New Zealand does not approve of international Bullies.

claire #34 02:29 am Nov 20 2009

"John Key has better things to do with his time - things which will have a positive impact on NZ. John Key is a Great PM."

JK is fast becoming a "sell-out". Does he have no respect for OUR sovereignty? Then prove it John.

It is Key’s own discretion to meet Dalai Lama or not. He doesn’t have to be told by neither Chinese government nor the Greenies here. We shouldn’t give any credit to what the Chinese Communism have done. But bear in mind, under Dalai Lama’s regime, Tibet was a slavery society, where human were treated like animal. It is such an irony for him to talk about human rights! He should be trialed in International Justice Court!

Oh get off your high horses people, politics isnt about doing what is morally right 100% of the time, but doing what is best for the country, sometimes you have to do things that fly in the face of what you believe in the that world. Key is probably dissapointed that he cannot meet the Dalai Lama due to political tension from China, but to do so in the face of the consequences would ruin us, it would be a poor choice. I personally am dissapointed that he cannot meet him, but will not flick mud at him for making the "right choice" politically even if it sucks moraly

Um, hello people what do you think NZ is? A superpower? The fact is that even the USA is bowing to China these days... How can NZ go against China if even the USA is afraid to? Also, don't compare Helen Clarke meeting with him to now. Things have changed since then. The Chinese government recently upgraded the consequences for any government meeting with the Dalai Lama, so it wasn't as serious back then.

John Key has better things to do with his time - things which will have a positive impact on NZ. John Key is a Great PM.

China has an unelected dictatorship,and has invaded Tibet,I think the Dali Lama should get as much moral support as we can give,especially from our P M

To be a leader you need a lot of people dumb enough to follow.

This just shows that Keys is not fit to lead our great country. He should be forced to resign, he is an embarrassment to all Kiwis

The Primeminister can choose not to meet the Dalai Lama if he wishes.

The Dalai Lama is Buddhist, he needs not defend the teachings and neither does anyone else. The Buddha defends himself!

"Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference." -attributed to Mark Twain & The Bible (But it's quite Zen...)