US ambassador to China makes positive remarks about Tibet

U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad has made positive remarks on the economic and social development in Tibet Autonomous Region, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tuesday, in responding to a query about Branstad's recent visit to Tibet.

At a regular press briefing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said that officials of the autonomous region and the city of Lhasa met with Branstad during his stay in Tibet. The ambassador also visited local communities, educational and cultural institutions, as well as religious places of worship.

The Chinese side provided the U.S. side with a detailed introduction about Chinese government's policies on ethnic and religious affairs, the economic and social development of Tibet, Lu said.

"The ambassador has also been briefed about the central government's policies concerning contact and dialogue with the 14th Dalai Lama, as well as foreigners' access to Tibet," said Lu.

The Chinese side has also reiterated firm opposition to any foreign interference in Tibet-related affairs and in China's internal affairs, according to the spokesperson.

"While expressing gratitude to the cordial hospitality extended to him in Tibet, Ambassador Branstad has made positive comments on its economic and social development, calling the trip a boost to the U.S. side's understanding about Tibet," Lu added.