Beijing says Obama-Dalai Lama meeting broke US promise on Tibet
Obama-Dalai Lama meeting 'broke US promise not to support Tibet independence'
China yesterday accused the United States of meddling in its domestic affairs after US President Barack Obama met the Dalai Lama at the White House. Beijing said it was up to Washington to take steps to avoid further damaging ties.
"The US seriously interfered in China's internal affairs by allowing the Dalai's visit to the United States and arranging the meetings with US leaders," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement.
"We urge the US to take China's concerns seriously, stop tolerance and support of anti-China separatist forces, cease interfering in China's internal affairs and immediately take measures to eliminate its baneful influence to avoid further impairment to China-US relations."
China had warned on Friday after news broke of the planned meeting that an encounter between Obama and the Dalai Lama would damage relations between Washington and Beijing, and urged the US to cancel it.
The meeting went ahead, however, with Obama offering "strong support" for the protection of Tibetans' human rights.
Chinese ambassador to the US Cui Tiankai criticised the US for breaking its promise not to support "Tibet independence", Xinhua reported.