China is firmly opposed to the choice of the European Parliament to meet the 14th Dalai Lama, and cannot expected to remain silent in light of this event, said China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sept. 19.

China opposes any anti-China or separatist actions by the 14th Dalai Lama and his group, as well as any official contact between the Dalai Lama and government officials or organization leaders, said Lu Kang, spokesperson of the ministry, at a press conference.

Lu stated that the Tibet issue is directly related to China's core national interests; therefore, the Chinese government is resolute in fighting against national separatism.

President Martin Schulz of the European Parliament, together with Elmar Brok, chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, met with the Dalai Lama on Sept. 15, in blatant disregard of China's strong opposition and despite the European Union's commitment to China on Tibet-related issues.

By obstinately clinging to the wrong path, leaders of the European Parliament have attempted to sabotage China's core interests and undermined the political foundation of bilateral parliamentary exchanges, Lu said at the press conference, responding to questions regarding a report that claimed several European Parliament delegations were prevented from visiting China.

China hopes that the parliament will correct its misguided decision and take measures to eradicate the negative impact of the organization's error in judgment.