(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-03-18 23:56

Qin said the riot infringed upon national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and imperiled people's lives and property. "Any responsible government would not sit by such kind of riot," he added.

Qin urged the EU and relevant countries and international organizations to respect fact, advocate justice, distinguish right and wrong on the riot in Lhasa, and jointly curb the violent crimes of the Dalai Lama clique.

"Governments of all levels in China are capable of safeguarding the national sovereignty and territorial integrity, protecting people's lives and property, and keeping stability of social order," he said.

On March 14, riots involving beating, smashing, looting and burning broke peace in Lhasa.

Rioters set fires at more than 300 locations, including residences and 214 shops, smashed and burned 56 vehicles, and attacked schools, banks,  hospitals, shops, government offices, utilities and state media offices.

On the question that what China will react if other countries' government leaders host the Dalai Lama, Qin said China has always had a clear and firm position on this issue.

"The Dalai Lama is not a pure religious person, but a political refugee engaged in activities of splitting China and destroying national unity under the camouflage of religion," said Qin.

"We firmly oppose officials of any country's government to meet with the Dalai Lama and provide platform and convenience for Dalai's secessionist remarks and activities," said Qin.

He noted that there is no country's government that admits the "exiled government of Tibet" or that "Tibet is an independent country".

Qin added that he hoped the international community will further recognize the secessionist nature of the Dalai Lama clique through the recent riots in Lhasa.

   1 2   

   1 2