China warns of further damage to ties from Obama-Dalai meet

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BEIJING, Feb 12 (AFP): China Friday urged the United States to call off a meeting between President Barack Obama and exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to prevent further damage to already strained ties.
The White House, in defiance of repeated angry Chinese protests in recent days, has said Obama would meet the Dalai Lama next week in Washington, just as the US leader seeks Beijing's help in imposing tough new sanctions on Iran.
Beijing has lodged a solemn representation with Washington, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement.
"We firmly oppose the Dalai Lama visiting the United States and US leaders having contact with him," Ma said.