Tibet not seeking independence from China: Dalai Lama

The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has asserted that Tibet under his leadership is not seeking independence from

China.

The Dalai Lama, who is currently in Taiwan to comfort victims of a recent typhoon that killed more than 500 people, told the CNN in an interview that his position on Tibet is clear and transparent.

"Most of the world who notices about Tibet, who pay more attention about Tibet, everybody knows, I am not seeking independence. The Chinese government also knows my sort of real thinking," Dalai Lama said in the interview.

"But they accuse -- accusations as to just more, for them, suitable for their basic policy," he said, when asked about the Chinese allegation that he is a political troublemaker and even a separatist.

"Sometimes I really feel, as I think many of my friends know, I always am described as a simple Buddhist monk. I always tell other people, my friends, we should be honest, truthful, transparent. So while I am telling other people, I myself must implement these things," he said.

According to CNN, the Dalai Lama said he will not meet with Taiwan's president so as not to politicize the trip.