Sarkozy-Dalai Lama meet unwise: China

Beijing, Dec 7: Nicolas Sarkozy entered China's bad book for his reported visit to Tibetan spiritual Dalai Lama. China has described as unwise French President Nicolas Sarkozy insistence on meeting Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Saturday, adding that it has undermined Sino-French ties.

A Xinhua report quoted that official sources said that in meeting 'separatist The Dalai Lama' the French President and his government have shown a total disregard for Beijing's grave concerns. It also says that the meeting suggests that the French have adopted "an opportunistic, rash and short-sighted approach to handling the Tibet issue." While Sarkozy has said that he wants to maintain a dialogue with China on economy and trade, besides strategic affairs, China will now have reservations.

The government mouthpiece says that at present, the European Union and China should cooperate more closely to tackle global challenges, such as the ongoing global financial crisis, food and energy security and climate change.

"Unfortunately, however, the unwise move by France, the rotating EU presidency, on the Tibet issue has not only undermined Sino-French ties, but has also obstructed the process of dialogue, exchange and cooperation between China and the EU," it says.

"Obviously, the cause and responsibility for the current problematic situation of relations between China and France are not on the part of China. The Chinese government has reiterated time and again that China has all along valued its ties with France and will, as always, work hard to enhance the long-term sound development of Sino-French relations.

French leaders should, on the basis of facts and reason, show far-sighted political wisdom, honor their commitment and take effective measures to further the overall development of French-China relations." it concludes.

ANI