China resolute against Obama-Dalai Lama meeting

TOKYO, Feb 3 (KUNA) -- China reiterated on Wednesday it "resolutely opposes" any meeting between US President Barack Obama and Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, urging Washington to respect China's concern over sensitive Tibet-related issues.

"China resolutely opposes the visit by the Dalai Lama to the US and resolutely opposes the US leader having contact with the Dalai Lama in any name or any form," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement posted on the ministry's Website.

"This position is consistent and clear," said Ma, in remarks after the White House announced on Tuesday that Obama will meet the Dalai Lama as planned.

"During President Obama's visit to China in November, the Chinese leaders explained China's stern position of resolutely opposing any government leaders and officials meeting the Dalai Lama," the spokesman said.

"We urge the US to appropriately deal with Tibet-related issues and avoid bringing further damage to Sino-US relations," he added.

Beijing is strongly against foreign countries hosting the Dalai Lama as it considers Tibet a part of China as it has ruled the Buddhist region since 1951.

Beijing brands the Dalai Lama a separatist seeking Tibetan independence, but the 74-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who fled into exile in northern India during a failed 1959 uprising, has denied the allegations, saying he merely seeks "meaningful" regional autonomy for Tibet.