China urges US not to meet Dalai Lama

China has urged the United States to immediately withdraw its decision of a meeting between US President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama. The Foreign Ministry on Friday repeated China's position on the Tibet issue.

The Foreign Ministry says the US should fully understand the high sensitivity of Tibet-related issues, and honor its commitment recognizing Tibet as part of China and opposing "Tibetan independence."

This is seen as an immediate reaction over Washington's announcement on Thursday. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the meeting between President Obama and the Dalai Lama is scheduled for February the 18th at the White House.

China has made repeated solemn representations with the US over Obama's possible meeting with the Dalai Lama.

Zhu Weiqun, Exec. Vice Minister of CPC United Front Work Dept., said, "If the US does not recognize that the Chinese government is the only legal government and Tibet is part of China, it will violate the international common rules and seriously undermine the political foundation of Sino-US relations to contact with the head of bogus government."

China warns that such talks will hurt already-strained ties. Beijing is also calling on Washington to refrain from offering the Dalai Lama any venue or convenience to engage in activities that are anti-China, attempt to split up the country, or undermine the stability of Tibet and interfere in China's internal affairs.