"An audience given to the Dalai Lama by Canadian government officials will be a drastic departure from Canada's current policy on the issue of Tibet, and it will be construed by his followers as an encouragement to his separatist activities," the Chinese embassy said in a statement issued late Monday night. "We hope Canada, which has its own problem with Quebec, will understand our position."

Yesterday, Prime Minister Paul Martin announced plans to meet with the Dalai Lama. Premier Dalton McGuinty and Toronto Mayor David Miller have also said they are eager to meet Tibet's spiritual leader.

The statement from the Chinese embassy reiterated the Chinese government's strong opposition to Martin's meeting — and to the Dalai Lama's visit.

"The Dalai Lama is not merely a religious figure, but a politician in exile engaged in activities aimed at splitting China and undermining national unity," the statement said. Source.

Bookmark mackaycartoons.net