(Photo of Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang)

China is strongly urging its northern neighbor Mongolia to stick to its commitment to Tibet-related issues for maintaining the sound development of bilateral ties.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reiterated that the 14th Dalai Lama is a political refugee who has long been engaged in activities to split China and alienate Tibet from China in the name of religion.

He noted China firmly opposes visits by the Dalai Lama to any foreign country.

"China resolutely opposes the Dalai Lama visiting any country to carry out anti-China separatist activities in any name or in any capacity. We also stand firmly against all forms of contacts between officials from any country and the Dalai Lama. We strongly demand that Mongolia, for the purpose of maintaining the general picture of a sound and steady development of bilateral ties, earnestly stick to its commitment on Tibet-related issues, do not allow the visit by the Dalai Lama and do not provide any form of support and convenience to the group of the Dalai Lama."

Dalai Lama was due to start a four-day visit to Mongolia on Friday evening local time.