The Dalai Lama [Images] has written to the Chinese authorities offering to send emissaries to help calm the situation in Tibet [Images] but China has not responded in a positive way.

"His Holiness expressed his deepest concerns about the situation in Tibet and offered to send his emissaries to help calm the situation and explain to Tibetans, but that specific offer so far went answered," his envoy Lodi Gyari told reporters.

Coverage: Tibet revolts

The letter, sent on March 19, was part of efforts "to begin a discussion on a peaceful way forward" following the Chinese crackdown on pro-Tibetan protests, said Gyari, who testified earlier at a US Senate hearing on the turmoil in Tibet.

Gyari pointed out that Beijing [Images] had replied to the letter but did not specifically respond to the Dalai Lama's offer. Asked for details of Beijing's reply, he said, "There was nothing concrete, just rhetoric. Just leave it like that."

The 72-year-old Dalai Lama, who lives in Dharamshala [Images], is campaigning for "meaningful autonomy" for his homeland, currently largely under Chinese rule.