Foreign and Military Affairs

China reiterates opposition against planned Obama-Dalai meeting

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-06 01:54

China on Friday reiterated its "constant and clear" stance of opposing the Dalai Lama's visit to the United States and any contact between the monk and US leaders.

China has lodged solemn representation to the US after White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs indicated Thursday that the Dalai Lama will visit the White House and meet with President Barack Obama later this month, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement.

"China resolutely opposes the visit by the Dalai Lama to the United States, and resolutely opposes US leaders having contact with the Dalai Lama," Ma said, noting such a position is "constant and clear."

"During President Obama's November visit to China, Chinese leaders had elaborated such stance," he said. "We urge the US to realize the high sensitivity of Tibet-related issues, to seriously treat with China's stance and concern, not to permit the Dalai Lama's visit and not to arrange meetings between him and US leaders so as to avoid further undermining China-US ties," Ma said.