China hopes countries concerned to weigh up their acts of conferring honors and titles on the Dalai Lama, and not to harm their relations with China and the Chinese people's feelings by "playing the so-called Tibet card."

Nyima Cering, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Tibet Autonomous Region, made the remarks at a press conference Tuesday night.

The Information Office of the Tibet Autonomous Region government holds a press conference for Chinese and foreign reporters in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, Feb. 10, 2009.

A group of Italian senators met the Dalai Lama on Monday, and Rome's city council made him an honorary citizen, despite China's stern representation.

It is a severe interference in China's internal affairs and a disregard of Chinese people's feelings, said Nyima Cering.

He said that the Dalai Lama is neither simply a religious figure nor on his own behalf, but represents a so-called "Tibetan Government-in-Exile" and part of the anti-China forces. He has never done anything good for the Tibetan people, rather going completely counter to their interests. Countries in the world and people of vision should have a clear understanding of the true nature of the Dalai Lama.

He added, some countries, paying no heed to their relations with China and the Chinese people's feelings, blatantly conferred honors and titles on the Dalai Lama for nothing but using him as a tool to conduct secessionist activities against China.

"It is reported that some countries are still planning to support the Dalai Lama's secessionist activities, and China hopes leaders of these countries weigh up the matter gravely," he stressed.

"It will do no good to their friendly relations with China and the Chinese people," he added.

Also on Tuesday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed strong dissatisfaction with Italian lawmakers' meeting with the Dalai Lama and hopes Italy will pay attention to its concerns and take effective measures to maintain the healthy development of bilateral ties.

"Tibet is an inalienable part of China, and Tibet-related issues are purely China's internal affairs," said the ministry, China opposes any country, organization or individual using the Dalai Lama to intervene in its internal affairs.

The ministry also urged the international community to fully understand, respect and support China's actions and efforts to safeguard national sovereignty as well as the interests of all ethnic groups and social stability.

Nyima Cering also said at the press conference that courts in Tibet have so far meted out sentences to 76 people involved in the March 14 riot last year in the capital city of Lhasa.

The violent riot resulted in the deaths of at least 18 civilians and one policeman. It also left 382 civilians and 241 police officers injured, businesses looted and residences, shops and vehicles torched.

(Xinhua News Agency February 13, 2009)