Beijing: China today firmly opposed a planned "private meeting" between President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama by lodging a diplomatic protest to the US, saying it is a violation of the 'One China' policy and the Tibetan leader was engaged in splitting Tibet from China.
"The Obama-Dalai Lama meeting concerns with One China Policy," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, objecting to the scheduled meeting between the two leaders in Washington.
"We have noticed relevant reports of this private meeting. China's Foreign Ministry has launched its solemn representations with the US side expressing our firm opposition to such arrangements," Mr Lu told reporters.
In the past, the White House has maintained that the US President's meet with the Dalai Lama were in his capacity as religious and spiritual leader.
He is revered by Tibetans. More than 130 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009 in protest at Beijing's rule, campaign groups have said.
China has ruled Tibet since the 1950s, but several Buddhist Tibetans accuse Beijing of often repressing their religion and culture. China denies the charges.
"China hopes that the US can stick to its promises that acknowledge that Tibet is a part of China and will never support Tibet independence. I also want to stress that any attempts to take advantage of Tibet related issues and undermine China's stability will not succeed," he said.
"The Obama-Dalai Lama meeting concerns with One China Policy," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said, objecting to the scheduled meeting between the two leaders in Washington.
"We have noticed relevant reports of this private meeting. China's Foreign Ministry has launched its solemn representations with the US side expressing our firm opposition to such arrangements," Mr Lu told reporters.
In the past, the White House has maintained that the US President's meet with the Dalai Lama were in his capacity as religious and spiritual leader.
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He is revered by Tibetans. More than 130 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009 in protest at Beijing's rule, campaign groups have said.
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China has ruled Tibet since the 1950s, but several Buddhist Tibetans accuse Beijing of often repressing their religion and culture. China denies the charges.
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"China hopes that the US can stick to its promises that acknowledge that Tibet is a part of China and will never support Tibet independence. I also want to stress that any attempts to take advantage of Tibet related issues and undermine China's stability will not succeed," he said.
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