China Protests Dalai Lama Honor – Anne Gearan

From AP:

China is protesting U.S. honors for the Dalai Lama this week by pulling out of a planned international strategy session on Iran sought by the United States, a State Department official said Monday.

China objected to participating in the meeting on the same day that the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader is to receive Congress’ civilian honor at a ceremony attended by President Bush, the official said.

China is one of six nations that have offered Iran a deal to shutter disputed nuclear activities, and Wednesday’s meeting in Berlin was part of the U.S.-led drive to punish Iran for spurning the offer. [Full Text]

Read also Bush set for talks with Dalai Lama amid China rebuff by AFP, and Envoy Is the Lobbying Force Behind Dalai Lama’s Medal by Michelle Boorstein.