Published by: World Tibet Network News, Tuesday, October 15, 1996
BEIJING, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- China warned Taiwan Tuesday that a visit by Tibet's exiled spiritual leader would send harmful signals across the strait and create further obstacles to peaceful reunification.
"I want to remind concerned leaders of Taiwan that the dalai lama is not a pure, religious person but a political person in exile who is devoted to separating our motherland," said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Shen Guofang.
The Tibetan revered as a god-king by Tibetan Buddhists has expressed his desire to visit Taiwan, home to more than 4 million Buddhists.
The government of Taiwan has extended an invitation annually over the past six years.
Taiwanese media reports have said the trip could take place in December, and the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize winner would most likely hold talks with President Lee Teng-hui.
"By inviting such a person to Taiwan, I believe the purpose of the leaders of Taiwan is very clear," Shen told a news conference. "It will not have any good effect on cross-strait relations."
A visit would infuriate Beijing, which accuses both the dalai lama and Taiwan of trying to split China.
Beijing has considered Taiwan a renegade province since the 1949 civil war and is outraged by Lee's ongoing campaign for greater international recognition and membership in the United Nations.
China views the dalai lama, who fled to northern India in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising against the Chinese, a symbol of Tibet's independence movement.
The dalai lama infuriated China with recent visits to the United States, Britain, Germany, New Zealand and Australia, during which he called on Beijing to engage in a dialogue regarding the future of Tibet and the human rights of its people.
During the 15-day Australia visit, which concluded Sept. 30, the head of Tibetan Buddhism met with Australiam Prime Minister John Howard, prompting China to threaten trade retaliation.
Howard said he met with the dalai lama in recognition of his status as a spiritual leader.
