China opposes the government of any other country providing support or a platform for the Dalai Lama's secessionist activity, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press conference in Beijing Tuesday.

Responding to questions on the South African government's refusal of a visa to the Dalai Lama, Qin said: "China applauds the position of those countries that respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, adhere to the one-China policy and oppose the independence of Tibet."

Qin said China firmly opposed any country making official contact with the Dalai Lama or providing support or a platform for his secessionist activities. He said China also opposed other countries using the Dalai Lama to intervene in China's internal affairs.

"The true colors of the Dalai Lama as a secessionist and hypocrite has been recognized by more and more countries and people around the world," said Qin. The Dalai Lama was not purely a religious person but an exiled politician engaged in activities intended to separate Tibet from China and disrupt national unity.

"China firmly opposes the Dalai Lama engaging in secessionist activities abroad under all excuses or disguise," he added.

According to reports, the South African government said Sunday that no invitation had been extended to the Dalai Lama to visit South Africa, and that this was an independent, sovereign decision.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2009)