On the morning of 15 May, Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao summoned UK Ambassador Sebastian Wood to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Song made solemn representations on British Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's meeting with the Dalai Lama in London on 14 May, pointing out that the meeting in disregard of repeated Chinese representations and the overall interest of bilateral relations constitutes serious interference in China's internal affairs. It has impaired China's core interest and hurt the feeling of the Chinese people. China must express its strong dissatisfaction and determined opposition.
Song Tao reiterated China's policy on Tibet-related issues, highlighting their immediate relevance to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and hence are matters of principle. The Dalai Lama is the epitome of pro-Tibet-independence elements and a political exile committed to secessionist activities under the disguise of religion. China is resolutely opposed to his international activities whatever the title or the professed purpose, or contacts with him by foreign political leaders and officials whatever the purported form. China demands a serious British approach to China's position and concerns and full understanding of the serious consequences of the meeting between Prime Minister David Cameron, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and the Dalai Lama. There must be concrete actions on the British side to create enabling conditions for the sound development of bilateral relations.
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