Q: It is reported that the Dalai Lama is visiting the United States. He met the US Secretary of State Colin Powell lately. It is learnt that US President Bush will also meet the Dalai Lama. What's your comment?
     A: We are strongly opposed to the US side's allowing Dalai Lama to visit the United States and arranging US leaders to meet with him. We have already lodged solemn representations with the United States.
     The Dalai Lama is not purely a religious figure, but a political exile, who has long engaged in activities of splitting China and undermining the national unity. We urge the US side to adhere to its promise of recognizing Tibet as part of China and opposing "the independence of Tibet". It should stop interfering in China's internal affairs by using the Tibet issue, so as not to harm Sino-US relations.