Visiting Chinese leader Li Ruihuan has expressed China's appreciation over Slovenia's persistent adherence to the one-China policy.
Li, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that his talks late Monday with Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel on these issues are aimed at preventing separatist forces like the Dalai Lama from damaging China's relations with Slovenia.
"Taiwan and Tibet have been inalienable parts of China since ancient times. Anyone who pursues the separation of China, or 'two Chinas,' or 'one China and one Taiwan' is a scum of the Chinese nation," Li said.
"The Dalai Lama is a sheer separatist in the eyes of Chinese people instead of a religious leader," he said, adding that tremendous changes have taken place in Tibet after the serfdom system was abolished and democratic reforms introduced to the region five decades ago.
He said China is expecting more Slovenians to visit Tibet to see what has really happened and what is going on there.
Speaking on the same occasion, Rupel said that Slovenia understands the stance of China on the Taiwan and Tibet issues, and reiterated Slovenia's position of continued support for the one-China principle.
After the meeting, Li, Slovenian National Council Chairman Tone Hrovat and Foreign Minister Rupel attended a reception given by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of Sino-Slovenian diplomatic relations.
( May 22, 2002)
