The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Beijing

Chinese officials will meet soon with a representative of the Dalai Lama, state-run Xinhua news agency reported Friday, in what would be the first known encounter since last month's deadly unrest.

"In view of the requests repeatedly made by the Dalai side for resuming talks, the relevant department of the central government will have contact and consultation with Dalai's private representative in the coming days," Xinhua said, quoting an unidentified Chinese official.

China has come under intense foreign pressure to hold talks with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader since rioting erupted in the regional capital Lhasa last month and spread to other areas populated by Tibetans.