China condemns US meeting with Dalai Lama, reiterates opposition to any hosting

China condemns Dalai Lama meeting (File)

China has condemned a recent meeting involving the Dalai Lama, with a foreign ministry spokesperson asserting that Beijing firmly opposes any country hosting him under any pretext. Accusing the Dalai Lama of using religion as a cover for "anti-China separatist activities," Beijing firmly rejected his visit.

Senior US officials met with the Dalai Lama in New York on Wednesday, marking a rare high-level meeting between Washington and the exiled Tibetan leader. The Dalai Lama, denounced by Beijing as a separatist, met with State Department official Uzra Zeya and White House National Security Council official Kelly Razzouk.

During the meeting, Zeya "reaffirmed the US commitment to advancing the human rights of Tibetans and supporting efforts to preserve their distinct historical, linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage," AFP reported.

Zeya also discussed US "support for resuming dialogue between the PRC and His Holiness and his representatives." Beijing, which imposes strict controls on Tibet, views the Dalai Lama as a rebel advocating for greater Tibetan autonomy, says report.

Talks between Beijing and Tibetan leaders have been frozen since 2010. The meeting with the 89-year-old exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism was expected to provoke China, which views him as a dangerous separatist and opposes any official contact with him from other countries.

"China firmly opposes any country allowing the Dalai Lama to visit under any pretext and strongly opposes any form of meetings between government officials of any country and the Dalai Lama," foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

Beijing had "lodged a strong protest" with Washington, she added.

Last month, China expressed strong opposition to a U.S. law signed by President Joe Biden that presses Beijing to resolve a dispute over Tibet's demands for greater autonomy and vowed to "firmly defend" its interests.

The Chinese foreign ministry said the "appointment of a so-called special coordinator of Tibetan issues constitutes interference in internal affairs."

The Dalai Lama underwent knee surgery in New York this year and reported a good recovery in July. He stepped down from his political role in 2011, transferring power to a democratically elected Tibetan government.

China has controlled Tibet since 1951, with the Dalai Lama fleeing to exile in 1959. Tibet had been largely autonomous after the Qing dynasty's fall.

(Inputs From Agencies)