China warns Tibet row could impact French trade ties

Thursday, December 04, 2008
AFP
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BEIJING: China warned on Thursday that trade ties with France could be affected by President Nicolas Sarkozy's planned meeting with the Dalai Lama.

"We attach great importance to our strategic partnership with France, as well as our business relations with France. These two points are closely related," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told reporters.

"Only under the condition of good bilateral relations can we create a sound atmosphere for our business relations."

Sarkozy plans to meet with the Tibetan spiritual leader in Poland at the weekend. China hotly opposes foreign leaders meeting with the Dalai Lama, whom Beijing accuses of seeking independence for Tibet.