China warns U.S. against meetings with Dalai Lama, Taiwan president

BEIJING, June 14 (UPI) -- China cautioned the United States on Tuesday against meetings with the Dalai Lama and the recently elected Taiwanese president.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters that Washington should adhere to the "One-China" policy that recognizes the singular sovereignty of the government in Beijing.

With regard to the upcoming visits of the Tibetan spiritual leader and Tsai Ing-wen, Lu said that both cases are tied to the issue of China, and added that the United States has made a "solemn promise" to stick to the One-China policy, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

Lu said the United States should not provide a space where individuals or groups advocate Chinese division or argue in favor of the separate sovereignty of Taiwan.

Tsai is expected to launch her first overseas trip on June 24 to Panama and Paraguay, and may stop by the United States.

Lu also said Washington "promised" to recognize Tibet as an integral part of China.

"The 14th Dalai Lama wears the cap of religion and sells claims on the world stage that is trying to split China," Lu said. "We urge no country or government give him any space, or do anything that would be strongly opposed by the 1.3 billion Chinese."

The Dalai Lama is in Washington, D.C., this week.

Beijing has condemned the Tibetan leader in the past, but the Dalai Lama has said that he and his leaders do not seek independence.

China's hardline approach to Tibet's activists, however, has drawn international condemnation, and U.S. politicians have rallied around Tibet's cause.