Tibetans likely to back 'Middle Way', hope for best

Tibetan exiles meeting in northern India have failed to find a viable alternative to the Dalai Lama's "Middle Way" approach to China, and admit they can do little more than hope for a softening in Beijing's stance. In the meantime, they must redouble efforts to maintain their struggle, remain united and determined, and do what they can to preserve their ancient culture, leaders said.

"The only thing we can do now is wait for some signals from the Chinese government that there has been a rethinking and a reconsideration of their position on the issue of Tibet," Kelsang Gyaltsen, the Dalai Lama's special envoy to China said.

"If that signal arrives, then the Tibetans will discuss how to respond to it."

Hundreds of Tibetans are meeting this week in Dharamsala, the headquarters of Tibet's government-in-exile, to look for a way forward after eight rounds of official talks on autonomy with Beijing failed to make any progress.