China warns Botswana over Dalai Lama's visit

China on Wednesday warned Botswana over Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's visit next month, asking the African nation to respect Beijing's 'core interests' and make a wise decision.

"We have noted relevant reports and China has stated clearly its position on the 14th Dalai Lama's visit to relevant countries. I want to stress that Tibet related issues concern China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, we require relevant countries to earnestly respect China's core interests and make wise decisions on relevant issues," China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson Lu Kang said during a press briefing.

"China will not interfere in other countries' internal affairs and we will not accept other countries to do things that harm the core interests of China," he added.

Dalai Lama will be visiting Botswana's capital Gaborone on August 19. The officials had confirmed that the Tibetan spiritual leader would be given "a foreign dignitary" status and the trip would be a "purely private visit".

China is one the leading investors in Africa and major state-owned companies were awarded contracts to build roads, dams, power stations and airports in Botswana.