China "strongly dissatisfied" over Dalai Lama's visit to Buddhist conference in India

Beijing [China], Mar. 21 (ANI): China on Monday strongly opposed Dalai Lama's visit at Buddhist conference at Rajgir in the Indian state of Bihar. The 14th Dalai Lama and Indian Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma inaugurated the conference held from March 17 to 19. "Recently, India ignored China's solemn representations and strong opposition and insisted on inviting the 14th Dalai Lama to attend an international Buddhist conference organized by the Indian government. The Dalai Lama also shared the stage with Indian government officials and gave a speech," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a press briefing. Chunying added that China is strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed to this. "We urge the India side to clearly recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai clique, abide by its promises on the Tibet-related issues, respect China's core interests and avoid further disturbances and harm to China-India relations," she said. Earlier this month, China had objected to India permitting the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh, which it regards as Southern Tibet, next month. (ANI)