China cancels officials' trips

BEIJING, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- China canceled the planned the trips of its officials to Taiwan to express displeasure over the visit of the Dalai Lama to the island nation, CNN reported.

However, the report said the Chinese action appeared measured as some of the cross-strait events were not affected by the decision, such as the new direct flights between China and Taiwan that began this week.

The visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader to Taiwan went as scheduled despite strenuous objection from China, which accused him of making the trip for political reasons.

The Dalai Lama has said his visit is only to express support to the victims of Typhoon Morakot through prayers.

He addressed thousands of followers Tuesday at Kaohsiung Arena in southern Taiwan, one of the worst storm-hit regions, the CNN report said.

The Dalai Lama has told CNN he will not meet with Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou so as not be seen as politicizing his trip, he told CNN.

The official Xinhua news agency quoted state officials as saying China resolutely opposes the visit ,which is "bound to have a negative influence on the relations between the mainland and Taiwan."