China warns US not to allow Dalai Lama’s ‘separatist activities’ or talks with officials
- Beijing protests to Washington after the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader meets senior American officials in New York
“China firmly opposes any country allowing the Dalai Lama to visit under any pretext, and firmly opposes any government officials of any country meeting with the Dalai Lama in any form,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Thursday.
“[We] have made solemn protests to the US. The appointment of a so-called special coordinator of Tibetan issues constitutes interference in [China’s] internal affairs,” she said, adding that Beijing does not recognise the coordinator position.
Mao urged the US to abide by its commitments on Tibet-related issues and respect China’s core interests and major concerns.
“Do not allow the Dalai Lama to engage in political separatist activities in the US, and do not have any form of contact with him,” she added.
China’s protest came a day after senior US officials met the 89-year-old spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism in New York on Wednesday.
