China to lodge representations to India over Dalai Lama's visit

BEIJING - China said on Wednesday it will lodge solemn representations to India over the Dalai Lama's visit to the disputed border region.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks at a routine press conference, responding to media reports that the Dalai Lama, regarded by China as a political exile who has attempted to split Tibet from Chinese territory under the cloak of religion, arrived in the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh" for a visit on Tuesday.

Despite China's concerns, India persisted in arranging the Dalai Lama to visit the disputed zone in the eastern part of the China-India border area, severely damaging China's interests and China-India relations, Hua said.

"China firmly opposes this and will lodge solemn representations to India," Hua said.

"Our stance on the eastern part of the China-India border is clear and consistent," Hua said. "Well aware of the Dalai Lama's role, India reneged on its commitments on Tibet-related issues and stirred up the border dispute by hosting the Dalai Lama in the sensitive disputed region," Hua said.

This move runs counter to the development of bilateral relations and will not bring any good to India, the spokesperson said, warning that China will take necessary measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and legitimate interests.

The spokesperson demanded India immediately stop using the Dalai Lama to damage Chinese interests and refrain from playing up the sensitive issues between the two countries or damaging the foundation for border talks and bilateral relations.

"India should work to protect the big picture of bilateral relations with real action," Hua said.