China Firmly Opposes U.S. Interference in Tibet (PD)

[People's Daily is an official publication of the People's Republic of

China]

China deeply resents and firmly opposes U.S. interference in matters

concerning Tibet, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said Wednesday.

When commenting on a meeting between U.S. President Bill Clinton and the

Dalai Lama on June 20, Zhu said the fact that the U.S. government

allowed the Dalai Lama to visit the U.S. and that the U.S. leader met

with him violating the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and basic norms

governing international relations, and interfering in China's internal

affairs.

"China has lodged solemn representations to the United States and

expressed deep resentment and firm opposition to that," he said, calling

the Dalai Lama not merely a religious figure, but also a political

figure in exile who engages in activities aiming at splitting the

motherland.

It must be pointed out that Tibet has been a part of Chinese territory

since ancient times, and the Tibetan affair is purely China's internal

affair, which brooks no interference from foreign countries, the

spokesman said.

Zhu said the U.S. government has clearly stated that the U.S. recognizes

Tibet is a part of Chinese territory, and does not support Tibet's

independence.

"China urges the U.S. to practice what it preaches, correct its errors

and earnestly honor its commitments," he said.