"China must not be isolated from the rest of the world community. China must be brought into the mainstream of the world community," he said at a news conference in Buenos Aires, where he is on a "spiritual, cultural and educational visit."

"The problem with China is that they are suspicious. In order to remove suspicion there needs to be constant contact, friendly contact and economic contact," he said.

The 1989 Nobel Peace Prize winner's remarks came as President Bill Clinton welcomed Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji to the White House to discuss security, human rights and trade issues like China's entry into the World Trade Organization.

Sino-U.S. relations have been sometimes stressed by U.S. concern over Tibet and Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province.

The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since 1959, also said his non-violent approach to seeking autonomy for Tibet was gaining followers within China.

He stressed that countries must at the same time continue to stand firm on issues like democracy and freedom of the press. "I think these principles matter," he said.

"The Chinese community, Chinese intellectuals, artists, writers are now showing genuine support and solidarity. This is really, really encouraging," the Dalai Lama said.

The Dalai Lama is believed to be the 14th incarnation of his predecessor and thus an incarnation of the Buddha of Compassion. The spiritual leader for many Buddhists throughout the world, he said he opposed NATO's use of military force in Serbia.

"My fundamental belief is that using violence is not the right way. I always oppose violence. I feel it is wrong," he said.

"I believe the appropriate method to solve problems is through dialogue," he said. "Sometimes it may take a longer time, we need more patience and more political will, but the proper way is through dialogue."

The Dalai Lama arrived in Argentina from Brazil Wednesday and was scheduled to fly to Chile on Sunday.

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Last updated: 12-April-99