South China Morning Post, February 28 1997

China warned Taiwan yesterday that an impending visit to the island by the Dalai Lama "would not be favourable" to cross-strait relations.

Beijing also said it would not resume talks with Taiwan unless the island abandoned its drive to break out of diplomatic isolation.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader is scheduled to make a six-day visit to Taiwan from March 22 at the invitation of a Buddhist association.

"Whatever the pretexts which are invoked, this visit would not be favourable to relations" between the two sides, Chinese foreign affair spokesman Tang Guoqiang said.

"The objectives of the Dalai Lama are clear," he said, reiterating China's position that "the Dalai Lama is not a religious leader but a politicalfigure leading foreign separatistactivities".

On cross-strait relations, he said: "If the Taiwan authorities really want to improve relations and resume talks, the Taiwan authorities should stop engaging in activities splitting themotherland."