Chinese FM calls on US to halt weapons sales to Taiwan, refuse visit by Dalai Lama

Chinese Foreign Minister, Yang Jiechi, is in Germany for the Munich conference, where more than 300 diplomats and defense officials are discussing major security issues.

On the sidelines of the conference, Yang Jiechi has urged the United States to stop selling arms to Taiwan and to not allow the Dalai Lama to visit the US.

Yang noted that Taiwan is the most sensitive and core issue between China and the US. He called on the US to abide by the Three Joint Communiques.

He hopes the US will prioritize these issues and avoid further undermining bilateral ties. On the Tibet issue, Yang said China opposes any contact between the Dalai Lama and US leaders.

He said the Dalai Lama is not a religious figure, but a political exile who has conducted separatist activities for a long time.

China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi holds his speech during the 46th Conference on Security Policy in Munich February 5, 2010. REUTERS/Harald Dettenborn/Pool