Beijing, Oct 21: China has protested to the Czech government for allowing the supporters of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to hold a meeting in the country to "trick" the international community and promote the cause of "independence of Tibet," state media reported today. "China opposes the fact that some countries having diplomatic ties with China accommodate and provide venues for the Dalai Lama's separatist activities," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said.
Zhang said China has expressed regret over the fourth 'International Conference of Tibet Support Groups', which was held on Sunday in the Czech Republic. She said the Dalai Lama has been engaged in separatist activities and has been pushing for the internationalisation of the Tibet issue in order to create favourable conditions for the "independence of Tibet".
She referred to the conference as just one of his "tricks." China lodged representations with the Czech side prior to the conference, and the Czech foreign ministry said it stuck to the position that Tibet is an inalienable part of China. It also made a commitment that Czech government leaders would not participate in the conference, the spokeswoman noted.
"China appreciated the Czech Republic's commitment, but still regretted the hosting of the conference," she said.
China views Tibet as an inalienable part of its territory and opposes any official contact between the Dalai Lama and any foreign government in any form. The Dalai Lama says his struggle for 'genuine autonomy' in his Himalayan homeland does not advocate 'Tibetan independence'. Bureau Report