China reminds the United States about its commitments in maintaining the “One China policy” ahead of the Dalai Lama's and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s visits to the Western country.
In a regular press briefing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang tackled the state visits of two of the most controversial leaders that the mainland sees as hindrance to the fulfillment of the "One China policy": the Dalai Lama and Taiwan Democratic Party's Tsai Ing-wen.
During the media conference, Lu made it a point to call out to the U.S. and remind its leaders of their promises not to support "a split China" as well as "any separatist activities," per a report from the South China Morning Post.
On Dalai Lama's Visit
According to Reuters, the Dalai Lama is set to arrive in the U.S. capital on Wednesday where he will meet privately with President Barack Obama.
The report said that China considers the exiled Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader as a separatist, which is why the Foreign Ministry warned the Western nation to be careful during their meeting so they can avoid any misunderstanding.
"The U.S. government also made solemn commitments," Lu said on Tuesday. "It acknowledges that there is only one China [and] that Tibet is an inseparable part of China and will never recognize the so-called Tibetan government in exile. Under the cloak of religion, the 14th Dalai Lama peddles his political ambitions of dividing China all around the world."
According to Lu, foreign countries and governments should not tolerate such campaigns from the exiled Buddhist to prevent any opposition from China.
On Tsai Ing-wen
Meanwhile, Lu also made comments about the upcoming visit of Tsai, Taiwan's first female president, to the United States and echoed the same sentiments as with the Dalai Lama.
"We ask the U.S. government to honor its commitments and deal with the relevant matters in accordance with the One China policy, and not to offer any chance to any separatist forces that try to create 'two Chinas,' 'one China, one Taiwan' or split China," Lu said.
According to SCMP, Tsai is expected to transit in Miami on her way to Panama for the expansion ceremony of the Panama Canal.
During her tour, which will run from June 24 to July 2, Tsai is expected to make a stop-over in Los Angeles, though there was no confirmation on whether or not she would be visiting the White House or meeting with President Obama.