China cautions against Tibet support

BEIJING, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- China has warned other countries against honoring the Dalai Lama and "playing the so-called Tibet card" against Chinese wishes, government officials say.

A group of Italian senators met the Dalai Lama this week and Rome's city council made him an honorary citizen despite China's opposition.

Nyima Cering, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Tibet Autonomous Region, called the meeting and honor a severe interference in China's internal affairs and a disregard of Chinese people's feelings, the state-run Xinhua news agency said.

Cering charged that the Dalai Lama represents a so-called "Tibetan Government-in-Exile," part of the anti-China forces.

He further accused the Dalai Lama of having done nothing good for the Tibetian people, rather going totally counter to their interests. He urged other countries to adopt a clear understanding of the man's true nature.

"It is reported that some countries are still planning to support the Dalai Lama's secessionist activities and China hopes leaders of these countries weigh up the matter gravely," Cerling said. "It will do no good to their friendly relations with China and the Chinese people."