Spokesman : `` Not in South Africa 's interest for him ( Dalai Lama ) to attend '' South Africa says it is worried focus will switch away from 2010 World Cup . It added South Africa has gained much from its trading relationship with China . The Chinese government said the visit would be a "historic opportunity" and that Beijing was looking forward to working closely with Nelson Mandela on issues of mutual interest.
Spokesman : `` Not in South Africa 's interest for him ( Dalai Lama ) to attend '' South Africa says it is worried focus will switch away from 2010 World Cup . It added South Africa has gained much from its trading relationship with China . Fellow laureate Desmond Tutu said he would boycott the conference .