'China is part of the world, so democracy can help China's economic development.'

China has accused the Dalai Lama of seeking independence for Tibet and warned that his Taiwan trip would damage Taipei-Beijing ties, which have been improving rapidly since President Ma Ying-jeou took office in May 2008.

To avoid angering China, Ma did not meet the Dalai Lama and the Dalai Lama's second prayer meeting was cancelled.

In an interview with the Public Television Service (PTS) Wednesday, the 73-year-old Tibetan Buddhist leader - who has called for autonomy for Tibet within China, not for independence - stressed that his Taiwan trip was purely a religious one.

He said he was not disappointed that Ma did not meet him while dismissing concerns that his trip has hurt Taiwan-China ties.

'It's too early to say that,' he told PTS. 'Wait for six months and one year; then you will know.'

The Dalai Lama has been leading the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala in northern India since he fled Tibet after an abortive uprising against a Chinese invasion in 1959.

He was scheduled to leave Taiwan Friday morning.