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Britain berated over Dalai visit
By Li Jing (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-05-27 23:40 The Chinese Government has criticized Britain for
allowing the Dalai Lama to pay a visit and meet Prince Charles.
"We have expressed on many occasions to the British side that China is
opposed to the activities carried out by the Dalai Lama and his followers, which
are aimed at splitting China and undermining national unity," Foreign Ministry
spokesman Liu Jianchao said Thursday in Beijing.
He said China was also opposed to any official figures of any countries
inviting or meeting the Dalai Lama in any setting.
"We felt deep regret and displeasure that the British side insisted on
arranging the visit despite China's repeated representations," Liu said during a
regular news briefing.
Entry to the OAS
The spokesman said China was elated that the Organization of American States
(OAS) accepted it as a permanent observer on Wednesday.
Liu said the OAS was the most important political organization in the Western
Hemisphere and that it plays an active role in maintaining the security and
stability, as well as promoting peace and development, within the region.
He said China had worked closely with American countries in the past few
years in political, economic and trade, social and cultural fields.
"China would like to make active efforts to enhance co-operation with all
American countries on the basis of the organization," said Liu.
He also expressed China's willingness to become a member of the Nuclear
Suppliers Group (NSG).
"China supports the goals and guidelines of the NSG and appreciates its
efforts in strengthening the control over nuclear exports and nuclear-related
exports," said Liu.
"China is willing to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons
by entering the NSG."
National Theatre
The spokesman said the authorities would take a scientific attitude toward
the design of the National Theatre, when asked whether the construction of the
landmark building in Beijing needed to reevaluated.
The designer of the theatre, French architect Paul Andrew, also designed the
terminal at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris where a walkway collapsed at the
weekend killing four people.
Sino-Indian relations
Liu said China is willing to make joint efforts with India to promote
bilateral ties.
He said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing had a phone conversation with
his Indian counterpart, K. Natwar Singh, on Wednesday evening, congratulating
him for being appointed foreign minister.
China and India will jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence this year.
Li said the principles are great contributions of Chinese, Indian and Asian
people to the international relations and still have strong vitality today.
Singh said India attaches great importance to the friendly relations it has
with China, and India is willing to promote ties in an all-round way under the
guidance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Iraqi issue.
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