In
2008, Barack Obama condemned the repression of Tibetans. Since that
time, China has also faced rebellion in Xinjiang due to its
Sinofication policies. Now, he is not meeting the Dalai Lama.
A symbol of disapproval is meeting those who oppose oppression. To defer or abandon such a symbol in the hope of short-term political advantage is a sign that you devalue freedom and curry favour with authoritarians. Perhaps Obama will bow down to the Middle Kingdom.