Sarkozy's meeting with Dalai Lama an unwise move detrimental to Sino-French ties

法国总统萨科齐不顾中方反复耐心的工作和多次严正交涉，６日执意同窜访欧洲的达赖喇嘛见面，此举极不明智，严重伤害了中国人民的感情，对中法关系也造成损害。

　　Despite China's repeated persuasions and representations, French President Nicolas Sarkozy insisted on meeting Saturday with the Dalai Lama, who is on a Europe tour.

　　This development is indeed an unwise move which not only hurts the feelings of the Chinese people, but also undermines Sino-French ties.

　　The Dalai Lama has long been engaged in activities worldwide to split China. He can by no means conceal the separatist nature of his activities no matter what by whatever disguise and whatever florid rhetoric he may use.

　　The Chinese government and people firmly oppose Dalai's activities aimed at splitting China conducted in any country under any disguise. They also stand firmly against any foreign leader's contact with Dalai in any form.

　　The Tibet issue involves China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and bears on China's core interests.

　　The French side, however, in total disregard of China's grave concern and the general situation of Sino-French relations, took an opportunistic, rash and short-sighted approach to handling the Tibet issue.

　　Just as the British newspaper "Financial Times" put it, Sarkozy wanted to maintain dialogue with China on economy and trade, but meanwhile believed this should not keep him from raising the Tibet issue.

　　During his China visit in August this year, Sarkozy said that France has always regarded China as an important strategic partner since General Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970) became French president.

　　He also expressed his willingness to further enhance relations between the two nations. With Sarkozy's words still ringing clear, what the French side is doing to this effect can hardly be convincing.

　　With the vision and courage of a great statesman, General de Gaulle opened the door of friendly relations between the two countries 44 years ago, making France the first among Western countries to forge diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China.