China opposes foreign interference in Tibet

BEIJING: China today opposed any foreign interference on the Tibet issue, calling it the country's internal affair and asked the Dalai Lama to stop all activities to split the nation.

"The Tibet issue is purely China's internal affair. No foreign country has the right to interfere," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a regular press briefing.

His comments came in response to a question regarding the US Congress's recent call for China to review its Tibet policy and restart dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives without any precondition.

"If the Dalai Lama has sincerity to talk with the Chinese central government, he should reflect his words and deeds, and stop all activities dividing China," Hong said.

"The Dalai Lama is not just a religious figure, but a political exile who has been engaging in secessionist activities in the name of religion," Hong said.

Talks between 79-year-old Dalai Lama's representatives and Chinese officials were stalled since 2010 and failed to make any progress even after the Nobel laureate said he regarded Tibet as part of China.

Beijing, however, continues to question his demands like Greater Tibet, which Chinese officials say extends to vast tracts of areas besides calls for self-rule in the Himalayan region with the central government renouncing all powers except defence and foreign policy.