MEXICO CITY - Talks with China over the Tibet issue are making only slow progress, hindered by Beijing's fears of
Tibetan independence, the Dalai Lama said on Monday.

"So far, our main effort is to build confidence so detailed discussions on
different matters have not yet started," the Buddhist leader said in an
interview in Mexico City.

Direct contact between exiled Tibetans and Beijing was suspended in 1993 but
quietly revived two years ago as an economically resurgent China seeks to
improve its global image.

Representatives of the Dalai Lama spent two weeks in China from Sept. 12 but
he said he had few details of what was discussed with government officials.

China still regards the Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel Peace laureate as
a dangerous separatist, even though he renounced Tibetan independence as a
goal years ago.

"Of course, the Chinese government officials seem full of suspicion so under
these circumstances it is difficult to discuss," he said.

Beijing imposed communist rule on Tibet after its troops invaded in 1950 and
the Dalai Lama fled into exile in 1959 in an abortive uprising.

There were no direct talks for 20 years. Recent dialogue has focused on the
environment, religious and human rights and Tibetan efforts to make China
drop its suspicions.

"Firstly, we are trying to make clear we are not seeking independence. That
is the key thing," said the Dalai Lama, who wants only enhanced autonomy for
his Himalayan homeland.

China might be more willing to strike a deal on Tibet ahead of the Beijing
Olympics in 2008, Tibetan officials say.

THE HU FACTOR

The ascent of Chinese President Hu Jintao, who presided over Tibet from 1988
to 1992 as party chief, has also raised hopes of agreement between exiled
Tibetans and Beijing.

Hu became head of the Chinese military last month, completing his rise to
rule all of China.

Tibet watchers say the Dalai Lama may be angling for permission from China
to make a pilgrimage to Buddhist holy mountains in China, outside of Tibet.

"For many years I have had a great desire to visit China and not just a
visit but a pilgrimage. I am always ready for whenever the Chinese
government finds convenient," he said.

Now 69, the Dalai Lama still hopes to see his remote mountainous homeland
before he dies. He says China has become a more reasonable adversary over
the years.

"I am getting older, it is true, but the Communist Party of the People's
Republic of China is also getting older. Everything is changing. Does
today's China compare to that of 30 years ago? It is much changed."