Q: Australian Prime Minister John Howard met Dalai Lama during his stay in Australia days ago. What's your comment?

A: Dalai Lama is a political exile who has been long engaged in activities aiming at splitting the motherland and undermining China's national unity under the camouflage of religion. China firmly opposes Dalai's visit in whatever capacity to any country by which he carries out activities aiming at splitting China. It is a gross interference in China's internal affairs that Australia, regardless of China's repeated solemn representation, allowed Dalai Lama to visit Australia and arranged his meetings with Australian officials including the Prime Minister. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to that.

We hope that Australia take into consideration the general interest of Sino-Australian bilateral relations and Australia's own fundamental interest, correct the erroneous practice on the issue, take effective measures to eliminate the negative impact and refrain from offering any venue or platform for Dalai Lama's secessionist activities.