China to U.S.: You can only honor who we say you can

In the news today is China's threat toward the U.S. regarding us honoring the Dalai Lama, which it claims will severely dampen our relationship.

Actually, I can see the political argument from the angle of The People's Republic, as by doing this, the U.S. is supporting a separatist that poses a threat to its state.

"'Such a person who basely splits his motherland and doesn't even love his motherland has been welcomed by some countries and has even been receiving this or that award,' the Tibetan Communist Party boss, Zhang Qingli, said during the congress."

However, the subsequent comment from Zhang is where I differ on the subject. He explains, "We are furious. If the Dalai Lama can receive such an award, there must be no justice or good people in the world."

My difference probably comes from the way that I view religious leaders and peaceful protest. Again, I can see China's side of the argument, but this statement seems a little dramatic.

In the end, though, the article mentions that China's threat is probably empty, but still it raises further questions on its status as "the people's republic."