BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday reminded theUnited Statesto maintain the overall bilateral relationship, and urged it to refrain from interfering in China's domestic affairs, such as Tibet-related issues.

U.S. PresidentBarack Obamaheld a closed-door meeting with the 14th Dalai Lama at theWhite HouseWednesday.

"Tibet affairs are China's domestic affairs and no foreign country has the right to interfere," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told a daily news briefing.

Lu said the 14th Dalai Lama was not a purely religious figure, but a political exile who has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion, and the essence of his "middle way" approach is "Tibet independence."

The meeting goes against the United States' acknowledgement that Tibet is an inseparable part of Chinese territory and its rejection of "Tibet independence" and anti-China separatist activities, Lu said.

Such a meeting constitutes interference into China's internal affairs and harms China-U.S. mutual trust and cooperation, Lu said.

It is reported that when meeting with the Dalai Lama, Obama emphasized his strong support for the preservation of Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic traditions.

The Chinese people are best qualified to speak on the situation in Tibet, Lu said, noting that Tibet has witnessed brilliant achievements in its economic and social development since its peaceful liberation.

"These facts won't be denied by anyone without political bias," he added.

"If one compares Tibet's religious and cultural condition before its peaceful liberation with the development after its peaceful liberation, anyone who has an objective attitude will draw the correct conclusion," Lu said.

The determination of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and unity is unshakable, Lu said, adding that any attempt to harm China's stability and unity will not succeed.

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Commentary: Washington should stop playing "Tibet card"

BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Disregarding the Chinese government's strong opposition, U.S. President Barack Obama met with the 14th Dalai Lama behind closed doors at the White House on Wednesday.

This unwise behavior has broken the solemn promise of the United States not to support Tibet's independence, seriously jeopardized China-U.S. relations, and deeply hurt the Chinese people's feelings.Full story