China fumes after Dalai Lama’s visit to EU parliament

China threatened retaliation Monday following the Dalai Lama’s visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg last week.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a press conference in Beijing, China is mulling measures to protest the visit, without specifying the measures.

Lu added China believes the visit reflects a wrong stand by leaders of the EU Parliament and is against China’s interests.

He added, China hopes the EU Parliament changes its position and takes appropriate measures to negate the effect of the visit.

The Dalai Lama, whom China considers a separatist, heading the Tibetan independence movement, has been living in exile in India since 1959, received a standing ovation on Sept. 15 by members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs after a debate in which the Buddhist leader defended democracy, unity and mutual respect.

The Dalai Lama also met European Parliament President Martin Schulz.

The Chinese spokesperson further said that although China and Europe are experiencing balanced growth in trade, this action sabotages the pillar of bilateral ties.

Lu said the Chinese government is firmly opposed to separatism and the Dalai Lama’s separatist agenda that he might try to propagate among other countries and organizations.