On March 20, 2008, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi talked with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice over phone, exchanging views on Sino-U.S. relations and issues of common concern.

Yang briefed his U.S. counterpart on the recent riots in Lhasa, capital city of China's Tibet autonomous region, pointing out that the violent crimes were organized, premeditated and masterminded by the Dalai Lama clique, with the collaboration of domestic and overseas separatist forces seeking "Tibet independence." They attempted to exert pressure on the Chinese government, disturb the 2008 Beijing Olympics and sabotage China's social stability and harmony, Yang said. He said that he believes any country upholding justice will understand and support the measures taken by the Chinese government to maintain social stability, safeguard the rule of law and protect the fundamental interests of all ethnic groups in Tibet.