Beijing firmly opposes the visit by a man it labels a dangerous separatist. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
Plans for the Dalai Lama to kick off on Wednesday a week-long trip to Arunachal Pradesh, an eastern Himalayan region administered by New Delhi, but claimed by China as "southern Tibet", has raised hackles in Beijing, which labels the monk a dangerous separatist.
India to host Dalai Lama in disputed territory, defying China
"China expresses firm opposition to this and will lodge stern representations with the Indian side," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswomen Hua Chunying told a regular briefing in the Chinese capital.
By ignoring China's concerns and persisting in arranging the trip, India had "severely damaged China's interests and China-India relations", she said.
"We demand that India immediately cease using the Dalai Lama's mistaken behaviour to damage China's interests," Hua added.
"It will not bring any benefit to India. China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty and legitimate rights."
COMMENTS (2)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ