China on Tuesday restated its hopes that Canada will give careful thought to the Chinese position on the Dalai Lama's visit and not provide a platform for him.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said at a regular press conference that the Dalai Lama is not purely a religious figure but a political activist engaging in splitting China. In the context of the smooth development of Sino-Canadian relations, Canada should not provide a platform for the Dalai Lama.

China has noticed some statements from the Canadian side, Kong said, noting that nevertheless, China hopes the Canadian government will reconsider the issue and correct its mistake.

Source: Xinhua