China postpones EU summit over Dalai Lama row

27/11/2008 08:00:01

China has scrapped a summit with the European Union scheduled for next week in protest at EU leaders' plans to meet the Tibetan Dalai Lama during a visit to Europe.

The diplomatic snub appears to target French President Nicolas Sarkozy, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency until the end of the year, and is due to meet the Dalai Lama in 10 days.

Earlier this month, China criticised Mr Sarkozy's planned meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader in Poland on December 6, warning that it could hurt relations between the two countries.

In Paris, a French government spokesman confirmed Mr Sarkozy will go ahead and meet the Dalai Lama, despite Beijing's displeasure.

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network