China has expressed regret over the Fourth International Conference of Tibet Support Groups, which was held on Sunday in the Czech Republic.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said yesterday in Beijing the Dalai Lama has been engaged in separatist activities and has been pushing for the internationalization of the Tibet issue in order to create favourable conditions for the "independence of Tibet."

Zhang referred to the conference as just one of his tricks.

China opposes the fact that some countries having diplomatic ties with China accommodate and provide venues for the Dalai Lama's separatist activities, said the spokeswoman.

China lodged representations with the Czech side prior to the conference, and the Czech Foreign Ministry reiterated that it stuck to the position that Tibet is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and the Czech Government would not interfere in China's internal affairs, said Zhang.

The Czech Foreign Ministry also made a commitment that Czech Government leaders would not participate in the conference.

China appreciated the Czech Republic's commitment, but still regretted the hosting of the conference, said Zhang.

Xinhua

(China Daily 10/21/2003 page1)