A recent meeting between two British leaders with the Dalai Lama caused “hurt” among Chinese, saying that it “impairs China’s interest”.

Deputy Foreign Minister Song Tao met with UK Ambassador Sebastian Wood to condemn British Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg for “disregarding” Chinese representations and “interfering” in China’s internal affairs. China expressed a “strong indignation and stern objection” to the meeting, calling the Dalai Lama a “political tool” used by the Western countries against China.

Beijing urged London to stop supporting anti-China forces as it may send “false” signals to “Tibet independence” groups and save the bilateral ties between the two countries. T

The Dalai Lama fled to India and lived in exile since 1959. He was in London to receive the $1.8 million Templeton Prize. Prime Minister Cameron’s spokesman said, “The Dalai Lama is an important religious figure. We don’t want to see our relationship with China disrupted by the visit of the Dalai Lama”.

The Dalai Lama has travelled to different parts of the world. He is a known religious leader and has, the British say made exceptional contributions to spiritual life.