China Warns Against Obama-Lama Meeting

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama (file photo)

China has warned the United States that any meeting between President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama would further undermine relations between the two countries.

On February 2, the White House confirmed that Obama will meet with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader despite China's misgivings.

The meeting is expected to take place later this month.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu today issued a statement saying that his government "resolutely opposes" the U.S. president meeting the Dalai Lama "under any pretext or in any form."

Relations between the United States and China have been strained by U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, trade disputes and a row over Chinese Internet censorship.

compiled from agency reports