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China Tuesday strongly opposed the proposed visit to Taiwan by the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, saying Beijing will not tolerate the "collusion of separatist forces".
"Both Taiwan and Tibet are inalienable part of Chinese territory. We are firmly opposed to the collusion between the Tibetan independence forces and Taiwan independence forces," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao told reporters. Zhu stressed that the Chinese government never recognised the so-called government-in-exile of Tibet.
China also views Taiwan as a rebel province.
"It is by no means admissible for any person to create separation of the country in whatever type or in whatever form. It is common aspiration of all Chinese people to safeguard national unity and reunification of the motherland," he said.
"All attempts against this historical trend will not work," Zhu said.
Reports from Taipei quoting Tibetan organisers said the Dalai Lama will visit Taiwan for the second time on March 31 for a 10-day trip.
During his stay in Taiwan, the Dalai
Lama is slated to meet Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian and former President
Lee Teng-hui.
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