ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (AP) — Mongolia’s foreign minister says the Dalai Lama will no longer be allowed to visit his country after a visit by the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader prompted protests from China and a suspension of talks on a major loan. ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA—Mongolia will no longer allow the Dalai Lama to visit the country after a recent trip by the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader prompted protests from China and a suspension of talks on a major loan.China’s foreign ministry said Wednesday that Beijing “attached importance” to the remarks by Mongolia’s top diplomat and hoped the country would “honour the commitment” it has made on the issue. The implication of Dalai Lama’s visit has gone beyond religion, and bilateral ties between Mongolia and China have been affected, the local media quoted Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil as saying on Tuesday. Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama of seeking to split Tibet from China.Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil expressed regret that the Dalai Lama’s visit hurt ties with Beijing, Mongolia’s powerful neighbour, in an interview with a local newspaper, Unuudur.“You can understand that during the full term of this government, the Dalai Lama will not be allowed to visit Mongolia even for religious purposes,” he reportedly said. His comments were confirmed by the ministry’s press office Wednesday.The foreign minister’s pledge underscores the effectiveness with which China wields its economic leverage over countries it seeks to influence on issues ranging from the Dalai Lama’s travels to diplomatic recognition of self-ruled Taiwan.Article Continued BelowMongolia’s fragile economy is heavily dependent on China.
Mongolia bans the 14th Dalai Lama from leisure in the country after China cancels a Mongolian loan.