China warns US over Dalai Lama

The Chinese government has warned the United States that ties between the two countries could be undermined if President Barack Obama meets with the Dalai Lama.



There is speculation that Mr Obama will meet the Tibetan spiritual leader in Washington later this month, but no date has been confirmed.



China’s Communist Party official Zhu Weiqun says such a meeting would threaten trust and co-operation between Beijing and Washington.



China, which took over Tibet in 1950, considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and has attempted to isolate the spiritual leader by asking foreign leaders not to see him.



Last year, Mr Obama gave up the opportunity to see the Dalai Lama when he visited the US.



However, last month, a White House spokesman said that the two men intended to meet when the Tibetan monk visits Washington later this month.