BEIJING, Mar. 16 -- China yesterday called on the Dalai Lama to renounce "Tibetan independence" and stop separatist activities if he really wants to improve relations with Beijing.

    The central government's attitude towards the Dalai Lama is to listen to his words while watching his action, said Foreign Ministry spokesman, Liu Jianchao during a weekly news briefing.

    Liu's comment came in response to the Dalai Lama's recent statement in an interview, admitting Tibet is a part of the People's Republic of China.

    Liu said the Dalai Lama should treat this "comprehensively and objectively" if he wants to improve his relations with the central government.

    "The Dalai Lama should genuinely renounce the stand of 'Tibetan independence,' stop all kinds of separatist activities, openly declare and acknowledge that Tibet is an inseparable part of China, that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and that the government of People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China," Liu said.

    He said the central government's policy towards the Dalai Lama is consistent and clear-cut.

    Liu reiterated that Tibet is an inalienable part of China, a relationship accepted by the international community.

    DPRK premier visit

    During yesterday's news briefing, Liu also revealed that Premier Pak Bong-ju of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will pay an official good-will visit to China next week to discuss the standoff over the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

    The premier will arrive next Tuesday, a day after US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice leaves Beijing after meetings with Chinese leaders, which are expected to focus on the nuclear issue.

    Liu did not give details about who the premier would meet with or what would be discussed. However, he confirmed that the nuclear issue would definitely be touched upon.

    Liu made the remarks amid Chinese Government's increased efforts to restart the Six-Party Talks after DPRK's statement in February that it suspends the talks indefinitely because of US hostile policy towards the DPRK.

    Wang Jiarui, a senior Chinese official met with the DPRK top leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang days later in an effort to bring DPRK back to the discussion table. Foreign Ministry officials have visited the United States and the Republic of Korea.

    South China Sea co-operation

    The spokesman hailed the agreement made by China, Viet Nam and the Philippines oil companies to conduct a joint marine seismic survey in certain areas in the South China Sea as "a historic contribution to the peace, stability and development in the region."

    "The agreement is seen as the important measures taken by the three parties to follow the principles enshrined in the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," Liu said.

    China National Offshore Oil Corporation, Philippines National Oil Corporation and Petro Viet Nam signed the accord, called the "Tripartite Agreement for the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking in the Agreement Area in the South China Sea," in Manila on Monday.

    Liu said China has been discussing the practical co-operation with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries in the South China Sea based on the guideline of "putting aside the dispute for common development" in recent years.

    He said China is making efforts to turn the South China Sea into a friendly and co-operative bridge between China and ASEAN.

    (Source: China Daily)