Dalai Lama's next trip "will anger China"

       The Dalai Lama plans to visit a northeast Indian state that China claims as its territory in November, a trip that could again rile Beijing following its denunciations of his visit to Taiwan this month.
       "He plans to be in Arunachal Pradesh in the second week of November,"Chhime Chhoekyapa, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader's aide, said.
       "He is going there for teaching. This has nothing to do with politics, there is nothing political about it."
       The visit is almost certain to draw protests from China, which claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory,and could become yet another irritant in Beijing-New Delhi relations, dogged by a border dispute.
       The travel plan was announced a week after the completion of his visit to Taiwan,a self-ruled island claimed by Beijing,which denounced the trip.
       A visit to Arunachal Pradesh could now draw further attention to China's treatment of Tibetan activists and the Dalai Lama's calls for cultural and religious freedoms and autonomy.
       "The timing of his trip [to Arunachal Pradesh] is significant. It comes while the debate over his visit to Taiwan is still hot," said Bhaskar Roy, a New Delhibased China expert.
       "Tibetans are as good at playing these games as the Chinese. They know such a visit will keep up the pressure on China."
       The trip has ramifications for IndiaChina relations as well.
       India and China fought a short war in 1962 and, despite burgeoning trade in recent years, mistrust remains. Both sides jostle for resources and influence as they seek a global role.
       "From India's point of view the Dalai Lama's visit will restate Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory," said Mr Roy."For that reason, we can expect statements against the visit from the Chinese."
       The Dalai Lama fled Tibet through Arunachal Pradesh.