China "seriously concerned" by Brown-Dalai Lama meeting

LONDON (Reuters) - China said on Wednesday it was seriously concerned by a statement from British Prime Minister Gordon Brown that he would meet exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama when he visits Britain in May.

China's Foreign Ministry urged Britain to understand the Dalai Lama's "true face" and offer no support, reported Xinhua news agency, monitored in London.

"China is seriously concerned about the message (Brown's remarks on his willingness to meet the Dalai Lama)," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said, according to Xinhua.

"As we have repeatedly pointed out, Dalai is a political refugee engaged in activities of splitting China under the camouflage of religion," Qin said.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has accused the Dalai Lama of masterminding protests against Chinese rule in Tibet that culminated in riots in which dozens may have died. The Dalai Lama denies the accusations.

"I will meet the Dalai Lama when he is in London," Brown told parliament on Wednesday. "I think it is important that we all facilitate discussions (about Tibet)."

(Writing by Robert Woodward; Editing by Richard Williams)