BEIJING, May 21 (UPI) -- China, reacting to the Dalai Lama's visit to Germany, asked the Western European nation not to support the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Accusing the Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in India since 1959, of supporting Tibet's secessionist activities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said, "China is strongly against any nation, organization or individual using the Dalai Lama issue to interfere in China's internal affairs," Xinhua reported.
Qin's remark came following the Monday meeting in Berlin between the Dalai Lama and Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, the German minister for economic cooperation and development .
Saying Sino-German relations are proceeding on the right path, Qin said Germany is committed to one-China policy and not supporting any move for "Tibetan independence."
Ever since the Tibetan unrest in March against Chinese rule of their land, the Beijing government has attacked the "Dalai clique" of masterminding the campaign despite numerous denials by the Tibetan government-in-exile in India.
China fears the Tibetan movement with supporters around the world may disrupt the Beijing Summer Olympics set to start in August.
