Q: Severe violence took place in Lhasa recently. The Dalai Clique describes it as a result of the Tibetans' discontent with the long-term repression of the Chinese Government. Some countries urge China to respect the civil rights of peaceful demonstration and deal with the incident through dialogue. Do you have any comment on that?

A: The serious criminal act of violence involving beating, destruction of property, looting and arson in Lhasa caused heavy life and property losses of the local people and severely disrupted public order. It is premeditated, organized and instigated by the Dalai clique, and perpetrated by the separatists forces for "Tibetan Independence" both in and outside China acting in collusion

What those rioters have done are not peaceful demonstration as they claimed, but violent crimes. They butchered innocent people, arousing grave indignation and strong condemnation among the people of all ethnicities in Tibet. The competent authorities of the Tibet Autonomous Region have dealt with the incident in accordance with law with a view to maintaining social stability and the sanctity of law, and safeguarding the fundamental interests of all ethnic groups in Tibet. The law enforcement personnel exercised maximum restraint during the whole process. The incident has again exposed the separatist nature of the Dalai clique, as well as the hypocrisy and deception of their claimed "peace" and "nonviolence". We hope the related countries can respect facts and make a clear distinction between the right and wrong.

It is universally recognized by the international community that Tibet is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. The position of the Chinese Government on the Dalai question has been widely understood and supported by countries and people upholding justice. The Dalai question is not an issue of ethnicity, religion, or culture, but a fight of secession versus anti-secession. Since the democratic reform in 1959, earth-shaking changes have been witnessed in Tibet. It is the common aspiration of all ethic groups in Tibet to maintain national unification, ethic solidarity, and social harmony.

The Chinese Government unswervingly upholds state sovereignty and territorial integrity. It stands firm in building a stable Tibet that is progressing, and ensuring the safety of life and property of all ethic groups there. The development and progress of Tibet is irreversible. Any attempt to split the motherland is definitely to be opposed by the Chinese people of all ethnicities including the Tibetan compatriots and is doomed to failure.