"Sigh......Tibet IS autonomous"

Then I would like to hear your definition of "autonomous" because if you read the definition of the word you will find that Tibet is ANYTHING BUT 'autonomous'

Michael, Nottingham, UK

The location doesn't matter.All points of discussion, respective positions,etc.will be discussed by the representatives of both parties prior to May 23rd.The way to influence China is behind the scenes diplomacy, not to embarrass them in public. The F.C.O knows this, and has advised accordingly.

Usher, Kunming, PR China

Does Gordon Brown have no principles other than those manufactured on a day to day basis?
This man is weak and embarrassing. He has thrown away the opportunity to make a stand against oppression.
But then again he seems not to care for the little man.

Mike, Bristol, UK

The location doesn't matter.All necessary points of discussion will be ironed out by the representatives of both parties prior to May 23rd.The way to influence China is behind the scenes diplomacy, it certainly can't be forced to do anything. The F.C.O understands this, and has advised accordingly

Usher, Kunming, PR China

how pathetic of mr brown
this will ruin his reputation which is in tatters anyway

margret major, Bury, UK

shamefull display of cowardice....

maurice, vancouver,

Brown is a disgrace to this country and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Ray Harvey, Hitchin, uk

LABOUR came to power ranting on about social justice and business ethicacy. Just look how spinless they have become they change with the wind.

steve tea, manchester, cheshire

Sigh......Tibet IS autonomous........

Pu LI, Guangxi, PRC

"An effort to avoid confrontation with China over Tibet" - why does Gordon Brown engage in self-humiliation? Who are the Chinese that they need to be appeased? Get a grip, Gordon - you have to stand up to bullies, not give in to them.

Paulina Smid, London, UK

Another example of why Gordon Brown is not fit to be Prime Minister.

Simon Marshland, Bath, UK

A good decision by Gordon Brown, the "free Tibet" has developed into the West against China. In a time of bullying, it would be best to show a hint of respect.
The essence of independence will back fire into West as in USA, Hawaii wants independence but will they get it..
Wales, Scotand Ireland.?

Dave, London, England

Mr Brown will not meet the Dalai Lama at no.10 due to Chinese opinion that he is not a political leader. Instead he meets the Dalai Lama in his position as a spiritual leader. A position which Chinese government also refuses to acknowledge. Regardless, the important thing is for talks to take place.

Jeni, Aberdeen,

Gordon Brown is a wise man... support his decision. We shouldnot judge him superficially

Joy, Xiasha,

American readers might wonder if an Obama or Clinton White House would lack the courage that Pres. Bush has displayed relative to Free Tibet advocacy. George met with His Holiness D. L. in 03, 05, and 07 and has challenged China over Tibet more forcefully than any U.S. president.

Bruce, Kentucky, USA

Good on you gordon brown, all 1.2 billion chinese people!

David, Weymouth, Dorset

Well done to him for not bending to the ignorant free tibet mob and all the other racist thugs

David, Weymouth, Dorset

Frit, the lady would have said. If Brown doesn't want to be involved in others human rights in other countries this hardly bodes well for two more years of not caring about ours .Will he never cease his relentless pursuit of tabloid crowd-pleasing headlines at the expense of progressive politics.

Noel Thompson, Tavistock,

It's too bad that the PM couldn't take the high road in this situation. The PM has just set the cause of human rights back a notch.

Carlton Aresenault, Florida, USA

From conviction politician to a spineless one.

steve tea, manchester, cheshire

Yet another example of our uncaring and spineless PM.

Kevin, Baghdad,

We cannot rely on Gordon to do anything, he is only there to save his own skin.
If you wish to make a protest against China then DON'T BUY chinese products!

Martin, Nottingham,

Correct decision by Gordon - the "free-Tibet" movement has gone too far. It's wise not to get involved.

James, Bristol, UK

Shame on you Gordon, it's time to consider your position and resign as PM and leader of the Labour Party.

Mike C, London, UK

Congratulations to Mr. Brown for not caving into the pressure of pro-Tibetan forces.

Mervyn Walmert, Houghton, U.S.A.

It does not matter where d Dalai Lama will be met. Damage had been done. It is better 2 hv damage control than allow the situation to get worse. Giving d Dalai the highest award does not change anything, just a pc of metal with a string.
Tibetans will live better in Tibet, China.

Lim, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

should have held the meeting in Number 10 anyway... that would sending the correct message to China...

paulc, gloucester,

Germany's head of state is Horst Koehler, the BundesPraesident!

arthur, Guildford, Surrey

Shame on Gordon Brown allowing himself to be bullied into not meeting with the Dalai Lama. If ever there were a time for
Britain to exercise it's influence on China into recognizing the value in an autonomous Tibet, it is now; and the window is closing fast.

Debbie Blancas, San Francisco, USA