UK opposes any attempts at Tibet independence, says Chancellor of the Exchequer

Source: Xinhua | 04-15-2008 08:20

BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Visiting British Finance Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling, said here Monday that Tibet is an internal Chinese affair and the United Kingdom (UK) is opposed to Tibetan independence.

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo (R) meets with British Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling in Beijing, on April 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

Darling, visiting China as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's special representative, made the remarks during his meeting with Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a press release. Darling also said that a boycott of the Beijing Olympics would be a mistake, and the UK objects to politicizing the event, and expressed his wishes for Beijing's successful hosting of the Olympic Games.

According to Darling, Brown will attend the closing ceremony of the Games this summer, the press release added.

During the Meeting, Dai presented the Chinese position on the Tibetan riots.

The two sides also discussed the development of the China-UK comprehensive and strategic partnership and agreed to jointly improve their relations.

Darling arrived in Beijing on Monday afternoon for the first China-UK economic and financial dialogue.

Darling will also meet Premier Wen Jiabao and hold talks with Vice Premier Wang Qishan and afterwards pay a visit to Chongqing Municipality, said the Foreign Ministry.

Editor:Zhang Ning