The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, says he may step down as the leader of Tibet if the protesters continue their violence. He had advised his people to be non-violent against the ethnic (Han) Chinese and that the Chinese should not treat the Tibetans like second-class citizens. Both Tibetans and Chinese have been killed by the violence. The Chinese Xinhua news agency said rioters set fires in more than 300 locations in Lhasa, Tibet's capital. "If the Tibetans were to choose the path of violence he would have to resign because he is completely committed to nonviolence," Tenzin Takhla told reporters. The Dalai Lama does not want to gain independence from China. He believes they can work well together, but wants to protect their cultural hertiage. The Tibetans are flustered about the growing influx of Chinese into their region. The Dalai Lama believes that if China were to let Tibet be an autonomous region, they can be a whole nation. Washington has encouraged Chinese leaders to reach out to the Dalai Lama, hoping they can resolve their issues. The Chinese forces are trying to restrain the protests, but if the violence continues, the Dalai Lama may resign as a political figure. The Dalai Lama is exiled and spoke at a news conference in Dharamsala, India.