China firmly opposes Obama’s meeting with the Dalai Lama

China has expressed its “firm opposition” to the planned meeting between US President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama at the White House on Wednesday.

“Under the cloak of religion, the 14th Dalai Lama peddles his political ambitions of dividing China all around the world,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang at a press conference.

He added that if the private meeting does take place, “it will send a wrong signal to separatist forces seeking Tibet’s independence and will damage mutual trust and cooperation.”

China’s response follows an announcement that Obama will receive the Buddhist spiritual leader as part of a private visit in the Map Room of the White House.

Lu added that the Chinese Foreign Ministry has informed Washington of its opposition to the meeting, arguing that Tibetan affairs are China’s domestic issues and no country has the right to interfere in them.

Lu also said that China is confident that the United States will keep its commitment towards accepting that Tibet is part of China and that it will not support Tibetan independence.”

Beijing maintains that Tibet is an inseparable part of China and calls the Dalai Lama a separatist.