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BEIJING - China "resolutely opposes" the proposed visit by the Dalai Lama to Taiwan next week, state-run media reported Thursday, quoting a government spokesman.
The comment by an unnamed spokesman for the mainland's Taiwan Affairs Office was issued by Xinhua news agency hours after Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou approved the Dalai Lama's visit.
China opposes any foreign contact with the Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since 1959 and whom Beijing accuses of seeking independence for his Chinese-controlled homeland.
"The Dalai Lama is not a pure religious figure," the spokesman was quoted saying. "Under the pretext of religion, he has all along been engaged in separatist activities."
The visit is set for August 30 to September 4.
Ma's spokesman Wang Yu-chi played down the political significance of the trip, saying it was "based on humanitarian and religious considerations which should not hurt" ties between China and Taiwan.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory awaiting reunification -- by force, if necessary.
Ties between the two sides had been on the mend after Ma was elected last year on a platform of closer links with China.
- AFP /ls
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