Q: In their Tibet-related remarks and statement made on March 10, the US White House Spokesperson and that of the State Department voiced deep concern over the human rights situation in Tibetan areas, criticizing China’s Tibetan policy and urging China to have “substantive” dialogue with the Dalai Lama. How do you comment on this?

A: The Tibetan affairs are purely domestic. The Chinese Government and people resolutely oppose any country using it to interfere in China’s internal affairs. Disregarding facts and making groundless accusation against China on Tibet-related issues, the US side grossly interferes in China’s internal affairs and has offended Chinese people. We express strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition and have lodged solemn representations to the US side.

Over the past years, thanks to the efforts of the Central Government and support of the entire nation, the Tibetan Autonomous Region has made remarkable achievements in various fields, including economy, society, culture and religion. This has won heartfelt support from people of all nationalities in Tibet, including the Tibetan ethnic group, and cannot be denied by any unbiased people. When it comes to the Central Government’s contact and consultation with the Dalai side, our policy is consistent and clear-cut. The door for contact and dialogue is always open. But whether there could be any progress depends on whether the Dalai Lama can thoroughly reflect upon and correct his political position, and truly abandons his plot of “Tibet Independence”.

We urge the US side to respect the fundamental norms governing international relations, honor its commitment to recognizing Tibet as part of China’s territory and opposing “Tibet independence”. The US should stop using Tibet-related issues to interfere in China’s internal affairs so as not to harm the overall interest of China-US relations.