China opposes India's invitation of Dalai Lama to visit disputed areas

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang (Source: fmprc.gov.cn)

China is firmly opposed to any visit by the Dalai Lama to the disputed border region between China and India, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday.

Spokesperson Lu Kang made the comment when asked if China has protested to India about the Dalai Lama's scheduled visit next week to a disputed zone in the eastern part of the China-India border area.

"China is gravely concerned about this. Our stance on the eastern part of the China-India border is clear and consistent," Lu said at a routine press briefing.

Lu said the Dalai Lama has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities and has behaved disgracefully on the China-India border issue.

India understands the seriousness of the Dalai Lama issue and the sensitivity of the border disputes, he said, noting that India's invitation to the Dalai Lama for activities in the disputed border areas will gravely damage peace and stability of the border areas, as well as bilateral relations.

Lu said China demands the Indian side meet its political commitments on Tibet-related issues and abide by the consensus reached by the two sides on border issues.

He urged India to refrain from taking actions that could further complicate the China-India border issue and to not provide a platform for separatist activities of the Dalai Lama clique in order to safeguard the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties.

"Maintaining a good relationship between the two big developing countries serves the interests of the two peoples. But China-India relations are based on certain principles," Lu said.

Similar incidents have happened in the past and triggered opposition from China, resulting in harm to bilateral relations, Lu said.

"Therefore, we urge the Indian side to deliver its political commitments on this issue so that bilateral relations won't be hurt. Otherwise, it will also be detrimental to India," the spokesperson said.