French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who confirmed he would attend the opening ceremony of Beijing's summer Olympic Games, was warned by China Tuesday not to meet with the Dalai Lama in France in August, reported The New York Times.

China's ambassador to France, Kong Quan, told reporters there would be "serious consequences" for Sino-French bilateral relations if Sarkozy meets the Dalai Lama, saying that it "would be contrary to the principle of non-interference in internal affairs." Sarkozy has been vague on whether he will meet personally with the Dalai Lama, regarded by Beijing and many Chinese as a separatist who has advocated resistance to China's sovereignty. Dalai Lama and his subordinates have been engaging in instigating violent anti-China riots in Lhasa three months ago and encouraging a boycott of the Beijing Olympics.

Sarkozy met Chinese President Hu Jintao on the sidelines of a summit of world leaders in northern Japan on Wednesday.

"The President of the Republic has confirmed to the Chinese president his intention of traveling to Beijing on August 8 to take part in the opening ceremony of the 29th Olympic Games," the French presidency's office said.

(Chinadaily.com.cn July 9, 2008)