China defended its sincerity in talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama, AFP reported. "The central government is sincere about holding contact with the Dalai side," said foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao. Earlier in the week, an envoy of the Dalai Lama told the European parliament that there was "a lack of political will from the Chinese leadership to seriously address the issue of Tibet." Beijing will meet again with the Dalai Lama’s representatives in October. The most recent round of talks was held in early July, but did not appear to break new ground.