Editor's note: Li Xiguang, executive dean of Tsinghua University School of Journalism and Communication, and Liu Kang, director of the Program in Chinese Media and Communication at Duke University, shared their views on the Dalai Lama's "New Year messages" with some reporters. The following are some excerpts.

Q: The Dalai Lama's "New Year messages" were released separately in Tibetan, English and Chinese. Professor Li, what, if any, subtle differences have you noted between the three versions?

Li: My biggest impression after reading them is that the Dalai Lama is a master of language. The Dalai Lama knows who he is talking to. He knows deeply that many people in the West sympathize with, or support, "Tibetan independence".