Dalai Lama stops in Japan on way to U.S.

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TOKYO, April 10 (UPI) -- The Dalai Lama stopped in Tokyo Thursday en route to the United States but Japanese leaders said there were no talks set up with the exiled Tibetan leader.

The Dalai Lama, however, planned to hold a news conference before continuing on to Seattle. His Tokyo visit was described as nothing more than a "stopover."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura told a regular press conference Thursday there was "no specific reason" why the Tibetan spiritual leader would not meet with officials.

China, however, probably would not like such a meeting. When the Japanese stop was confirmed, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, "We have consistently opposed his going to other countries and carrying out separatist activities, under whatever name or in whatever capacity.''

Japan has urged the Dalai Lama and Chinese officials to get together for peaceful talks.