Alongside the diplomatic representations to the United States, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that US President George W. Bush's meeting with the 14th Dalai Lama would not disrupt his coming visit to China.

The US president will visit China from November 19 to 21.

That was a very appropriate response to the unpleasant episode in the run-up to such a significant event in relations between our two countries.

Still, we must explicitly voice our discontent.

The White House may have taken into consideration the Chinese sensitivity to such a meeting. It took place at the US president's White House residence instead of an office.

Nonetheless, it broke China's stated bottom line -- any meeting between a national leader with the Dalai Lama is unacceptable, considering the latter's involvement in political activities threatening the sovereign integrity of China.

Disregard of such a prominent Chinese concern at such a time was inopportune.

Political bottom line and principle aside, it is against our culture's etiquette and custom.

When the Chinese are about to greet a guest, they take pains to avoid words and deeds that might embarrass the expected visitor. In return, the guest reciprocates with respect for the host's sensitivities.

That is the Chinese way to show hospitality and respect.

In spite of the disappointing episode, it is important to not let such an incident overshadow the visit.

China attaches strategic significance to the visit, seeing it as an opportunity for leaders of both countries to compare notes on the present and future of Sino-US relations.

The two countries have too many imperative concerns to address together to let such an incident get in their way.

The US president earlier said he would raise religious freedom as an issue when he meets his Chinese counterpart.

It will not be a flashpoint at the coming summit, though some eagerly expect that. However, Chinese leaders have displayed increasing willingness and readiness to delve into discussions with their overseas guests about topics like this.

It would be fruitful if our leaders can share personal experiences and ideas about such matters as faith and beliefs.

If their schedule permits and President Bush has a genuine personal interest in China's Tibet Autonomous Region, President Hu is an informative source.

President Bush may want to go to the 14th Dalai Lama if he needs information about old Tibet, provided the latter is not shy of the truth.

But the Dalai Lama's own knowledge about the Tibet after 1959 is incomplete and permeated with rumours and distortions from the Indian town of Dharamsala.

President Bush may learn a lot more about present-day Tibet from President Hu, who once was the top leader of the Tibet Autonomous Region, if the US president is brave enough to rise above the lies and groundless accusations surrounding the truth about Tibet.

Hopefully one day, if not today, he will know Tibet is not like what it is portrayed from the lips of the Dalai Lama and Falungong preachers.

(China Daily 11/12/2005 page4)