China expresses regret for the fourth International Conference of Tibet Support Groups held Sunday in the Czech Republic, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue in Beijing Monday.

In response to a question, Zhang said the Dalai Lama had been engaged in China-separating activities and pushed for the internationalization of the Tibet issue in order to create favorable conditions for the "independence of Tibet".

The conference was just one of his tricks, Zhang said.

China opposed the fact that some countries having diplomatic ties with China provide convenience and venue for the Dalai Lama's China-separating activities, said the spokeswoman.

China had lodged representations with the Czech side prior to the conference, and the Czech Foreign Ministry reiterated that it stuck to the principled position that Tibet is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and the Czech government would not interfere in China's internal affairs, said Zhang.

The Czech Foreign Ministry also made a commitment that the Czech government leaders would not participate in the conference, Zhang added.

China appreciated the Czech Republic's commitment, but still regretted the convention of the conference there, said the spokeswoman.

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2003)