China irked by visit

The 14th Dalai Lama answered an invitation to attend the 25th anniversary of the awarding of former Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa's Nobel Peace Prize. The visit by the exiled spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people included meetings with Polish President Lech Kaczyński and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, as well as with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Following the visit, however, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign affairs requested explanations from the French and Polish ambassadors in Beijing. The ministry also issued a statement saying that China opposed the activity of the Dalai Lama on the international scene, since it is aimed at "dividing China." Chinese officials said the visit could harm economic relations between China and the EU.

Meanwhile, PM Tusk rebuffed the Chinese protests, citing the importance of human rights.