China reiterates opposition to Dalai Lama visit to Australia
( 2002-05-15 09:50 ) (8 )

China opposed all forms of invitations to and meetings with the Dalai Lama from government officials of any country or region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan reiterated in Beijing on Tuesday.

Kong was replying to a journalist's question about the Dalai Lama's impending visit to Australia, and noted that China had repeatedly stated the attitude of its government on this issue.

Kong said that the Dalai Lama was not simply a religious personage, but was once the biggest owner of serfs in old Tibet. The feudal system in old Tibet was darker than that of Europe's middle ages, he said.

The spokesman noted that the Dalai Lama was also a politician in exile disguised as a religious figure and engaged in activities designed to split China and damage the country's national unity.

China was opposed to the Dalai Lama's political activities in any capacity, and in any country or region, which aimed to split China and damage its national unity, Kong stated.