China has not set a timetable for establishing Sino-Vatican diplomatic relations, according to a senior religious and cultural affairs official on Wednesday, refuting rumors that the two sides plan to formalize ties before 2008.

Qi Xiaofei, vice president of China's Religious Culture Communication Association made the remarks during a press conference at the First World Buddhist Forum, which begins today in Hangzhou and Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The official, also deputy director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs of China, said that China has definite principles on normalizing relations with the Vatican, namely non-interference China's internal affairs, and the one-China policy.
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"We have two clear and consistent principles when it comes to Sino-Vatican relations. The Vatican must first sever its 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan and recognize the Chinese government as the sole legitimate government of China and not interfere in our internal affairs in the name of religion," he reiterated.

As to why the Dalai Lama had not been invited to the forum, Qi said that organizers felt the Dalai Lama would be an "unharmonious element".

"In my opinion, if he appears at the forum, he will surely pose a really disharmonious note to the general harmonious tone of the forum," he said.

He said the main purpose of the forum was to provide an equal, diversified and open platform for dialogue among those who love all living creatures, protect and care for Buddhism.

"We welcome any form of exchanges, but we won't give the Dalai Lama any chance to disharmonize the forum," he said.

"What we need here and now is dialogue rather than confrontation," he said.

Qi added that the Dalai Lama is not only a religious figure, but also a "long-time stubborn secessionist" who has tried to split the Chinese motherland and break the solidarity between the different ethnic groups.

The forum ends on April 16.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2006)