Yeah, “confusion” but its quite simple, really, jatihoon. They would rather deal with him than with the Tibetan independence fanatics ("splittists").

By bringing him in now, it effectively derails the revolution in the Tibetan government-in-exile and gives authority to the DL to continue what he and the PRC were quietly organizing all along. Thus the pro-Buddhists win and retain their more moderate influence in Tibet despite some stupidly reckless young monks there.

If it wasn’t for the pro-independence faction causing the lethal riots in Lhasa, talks would have been happening soon anyway. In the end, it has strengthened China’s position, not weakened it, because Chinese citizens are siding with their givernment over the killing of Chinese in Lhasa and the lies and distortions in the Western media.

Why should they invite Dalai Lama, to talk, when by not talking to him, China can generate million of dollars of business. “Dollars are mighter then shouting.”

China’s central gov’t department to meet with Dalai’s private representative... http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-04/25/content_8 049766.htm

In the meantime, churn out more red flags........

Chinese netizens are donating national flags to compatriots overseas in response to the wave of patriotism generated by the Olympic torch relay on its international journey......

Pei Wenjing, sales director of Beijing Yandu Flags Manufacture, said it had been receiving orders from overseas Chinese since the torch relay began last month.

“We are sending thousands of flags each day,” she said. The online campaign was started after media reports about a shortage of Chinese national flags overseas.

Tibetan separatists’ disruptions of the torch relay during its London, Paris and San Francisco legs have also sparked outrage from Chinese students and local Chinese communities, who have organized rallies to counter the anti-China groups, creating a huge demand for flags.http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/ 2008-04/23/content_6636364.htm