China reaffirms opposition even as Dalai Lama cancels Botswana trip

China on Monday reaffirmed opposition to the Dalai Lama's "anti-China separatist activities" in any country, even though he has called off a planned trip to Botswana.

The Dalai Lama cancelled the plan in mid-August due to health problems.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Beijing's position was firm, Xinhua news agency reported.

China attaches great importance to relations and friendly cooperation with Botswana, and hopes bilateral ties will maintain positive and healthy development, Hua said.

--IANS

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