China Condemns Dalai Lama’s US Visit, Reaffirms Opposition to Foreign Meetings
China has expressed strong opposition to any country allowing the Dalai Lama to visit under any circumstances, following a meeting between the Tibetan spiritual leader and senior US officials on August 21 in New York.
The Chinese foreign ministry voiced its disapproval during a press briefing on August 22.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning criticized the visit, stating, “China has lodged solemn protests with the US. We oppose the Dalai Lama engaging in political separatist activities in the US.” The 89-year-old Dalai Lama, viewed by China as a dangerous separatist, remains a contentious figure, especially in international diplomatic relations.
The meeting with US State Department and White House officials reaffirmed America’s commitment to promoting human rights for Tibetans.
This has further strained the already delicate US-China relations, as China considers any engagement with the exiled leader an interference in its internal affairs.
This latest diplomatic row follows China’s earlier objections to a US law signed by President Joe Biden, urging Beijing to address Tibet’s demands for greater autonomy.
China has vowed to “firmly defend” its sovereignty and opposed the appointment of a US special coordinator for Tibetan issues, describing it as interference.
