BEIJING, March 20 -- China on Monday strongly opposed India's invitation of the Dalai Lama to the International Buddhism Samagam (Convention), urging India to respect China's core interests and avoid "further damage" to bilateral relations.

The Dalai Lama inaugurated the samagam, which was held by India's Ministry of Culture from March 17 to 19, with Mahesh Sharma, minister of state of culture and tourism, according to Indian media. The Dalai Lama also delivered a speech at the convention.

"China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to India's invitation of the Dalai Lama," Hua Chunying, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, said at a press briefing, urging India to see clearly the nature of the Dalai Lama's anti-China separatist activities.