China lodges representations to India over Dalai Lama's visit

BEIJING - China confirmed Thursday that it has lodged solemn representations to India over a visit by the Dalai Lama to a disputed region.

China lodged solemn representations to the Indian ambassador to China and senior officials of the Indian foreign ministry, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying confirmed at a routine press conference.

"Border issues and Tibet-related issues concern China's core interests. India failed to honor its commitments on Tibet-related issues and further stirred up border trouble by inviting and allowing the Dalai Lama to visit the disputed border region," Hua said.

The Dalai Lama, regarded by China as a political exile who has attempted to split Tibet from China under the cloak of religion, arrived in the so-called "Arunachal Pradesh" on Tuesday for a week-long visit.

Hua said China opposes the Dalai Lama's visit to the disputed region and opposes any country offering him a platform for him to engage in anti-China, separatist activities.

China urged India to stop using the Dalai Lama to damage Chinese interests, Hua said.

The spokesperson said mutual respect and accommodation for each other's core interests and major concerns is an important foundation for the smooth development of China-India relations.