Chinese government reaffirms opposition to Dalai Lama’s visits abroad

BEIJING: China has reaffirmed opposition to the Dalai Lama’s visit to any country after he called off a planned trip to Botswana on “health grounds”.

The 82-year old exiled Tibetan spiritual leader was due to speak at the three-day “Mind and Life Dialogue” in Botswana’s capital Gaborone on August 19. “China attaches great importance to relations and friendly cooperation with Botswana, and hopes bilateral ties will maintain positive and healthy development,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.