The Dalai Lama has said his representatives were holding 'private talks' with Beijing following the eruption of protests in Tibet in March against the Chinese rule.
Describing the talks as 'some efforts' through 'private channels', the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader on Sunday said the talks were "still in full mystery. I don't want any speculation," the Seattle Times reported.
However, he said he himself had no direct contact.
In his first reference to his homeland during his visit to Seattle for the five-day Seeds of Compassion conference, the Dalai Lama denied the Chinese claim that he was seeking separation from China.
"The whole world knows that the Dalai Lama is not seeking independence, nor separation," he said, adding that he was committed to pursuing a genuine autonomy for Tibet to govern its internal affairs.
The Nobel laureate said his 'middle way' approach to Tibet's relationship with China was a good approach and he is open to talks with the Chinese government.
"Our struggle is with a few in the leadership of the People's Republic of China and not with the Chinese people," the Dalai Lama said in a statement released after the press conference.
However, he expressed fears that suppression in Tibet may increase if the present situation continues.
"I am very much concerned that the Chinese government will unleash more force and increase the suppression of Tibetan people," he said.
Reiterating his earlier statement, the Dalai Lama said he would resign if violence got out of control in Tibet.
"If violence becomes out of control then my only option is to resign," he said, adding "If the majority of people commit violence, then I resign".
He called on the Chinese government to "open (Tibet) to the world", with visitors and media allowed to go there freely to "see the actual situation".
The Dalai Lama's tour comes close on the heels of Chinese crackdown in the Himalayan territory and amidst global protests along the Beijing Olympic torch route, including in San Francisco, which was the only stop for the torch in North America.
The exiled leader reiterated his support for Beijing Olympics, but said it was up to individual world leaders to decide if they wanted to boycott the opening ceremonies.
When asked if he himself would attend if he received an invitation, the Dalai Lama said, "I don't think I will get an invitation".
