China to Dalai Lama's envoys: Sovereignty of Tibet is non-negotiable

Beijing, Feb. 1 (ANI): China has said that its doors are open for talks with Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, but reiterated that no concessions would be made on issues concerning national sovereignty.

Xinhua quoted Du Qinglin, head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, as saying that he had met with private envoys of the Dalai Lama in Beijing, and pointed out that issues concerning China's territory and sovereignty were non-negotiable and no concessions would be made on those issues.

Du said the so-called "Greater Tibet" and "high-level autonomy" violated China's Constitution and only if the Dalai lama completely anbandoned such claims, could there be a foundation for contacts and talks.

The contacts and talks would have no progress if the Dalai Lama side continued activities against China and refused to show basic respect and sincerity, he said.

"Tibetan people cherish peace and stability. It is no use to cheat them and act against their will. The activities of infiltration and provocation, which are doomed to fail, will only create barriers for the talks and isolate the Dalai Lama and his followers," the statement quoted Du as saying.

During the meeting, Du also highlighted the achievements made by the Tibet Autonomous Region over the past years under the leadership of the CPC, according to the statement.

The Dalai Lama's private envoys, Lodi Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen, expressed their opinions on relevant issues. (ANI)