The purpose behind the so-called "high level of autonomy in Greater Tibet" advocated by the Dalai clique is to undermine the current Chinese system of ethnic regional autonomy, said a senior Tibetologist on Wednesday.

The purpose for the Dalai clique to call for the autonomy of "Greater Tibet", a term which had never existed in Chinese history, is to instigate ethnic hatred between Tibetans and other ethnic groups, said Xerab Nyi'ma, the Central University for Nationalities vice president and himself a Tibetan.

The Dalai clique has included into the so-called "Greater Tibet" four other Tibetan-inhabited provinces besides Tibet autonomous region, including Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai. This is to exercise a high degree of autonomy within the current territory of China in an attempt to undermine the fundamental political system that promotes ethnic regional autonomy, the Tibetan scholar said.

"The Dalai clique is very likely to instigate ethnic hatred in the region as many other ethnic groups, all considered as migrants by the Dalai clique, also live in these provinces."

The so-called "high level of autonomy in Greater Tibet" is likely to threaten the peace in both China and the world", according to Xerab Nyi'ma.

"They resorted to bloodshed activities to seek Tibet independence in 2008 because this year is critical for China to host the Olympics.

"We should have some deep thinking about the cause of the March 14 Lhasa riot. The government should be ready to fight an enduring and complicated battle with the Dalai clique."

(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2008)