Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang on Wednesday urged France to respect China's concern over Tibet-related issues.

"We hope that France would prudently handle related important and sensitive issues," Qin told a regular press conference.

Responding to a question on French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner's expected meeting with the Dalai Lama in France on Friday, Qin said the Chinese government's policy on the issues related to Tibet is clear and consistent,

He expressed the hope that France would make joint efforts with the Chinese side to eliminate various possible disturbances that may occur, so as to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties.

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2008)