Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue reiterated Thursday China's stance on the Dalai Lama's visit to other countries, calling for all friendly countries to acknowledge Tibet as part of China.

Zhang noted that the Dalai Lama was not a purely religious figure, but a political figure in exile who had engaged in separatist activities for a long time.

The Chinese side hoped that all friendly nations would abide by the principle that Tibet was part of China, and would avoid any activities involving the separation of China, the spokeswoman said