China has expressed regret and dissatisfaction to Britain on the Dalai Lama's upcoming visit to the country, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao Thursday.

Liu made the remark in response to a question on the Dalai Lama's visit arranged by Britain, saying China has reiterated its stance to the British side that China is in opposition to the Dalai Lama's activities aimed at splitting China and damaging national unity.

"China also opposes any country's official extending invitationto the Dalai Lama in any form or name," Liu told a regular press conference. The British side, regardless of China's representations, arranged the visit, about which China is regretful and dissatisfied, Liu added.

Entry to the OAS

The spokesman said China was elated that the Organization of American States (OAS) accepted it as a permanent observer on Wednesday.

Liu said the OAS was the most important political organization in the Western Hemisphere and that it plays an active role in maintaining the security and stability, as well as promoting peace and development, within the region.

He said China had worked closely with American countries in the part few years in political, economic and trade, social and cultural fields.

"China would like to make active efforts to enhance co-operation with all American countries on the basis of the organization," said Liu.

He also expressed China's willingness to become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

"China supports the goals and guidelines of the NSG and appreciates its efforts in strengthening the control over nuclear exports and nuclear-related exports," said Liu.

"China is willing to contribute to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons by entering the NSG."

National Theatre

The spokesman said the authorities would take a scientific attitude toward the design of the National Theatre, when asked whether the construction of the landmark building in Beijing needed to reevaluated.

The designer of the theatre, French architect Paul Andrew, also designed the terminal at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris where a walkway collapsed at the weekend killing four people.

Sino-Indian relations

Liu said China is willing to make joint efforts with India to promote bilateral ties.

He said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing had a phone conversation with his Indian counterpart, K. Natwar Singh, on Wednesday evening, congratulating him for being appointed foreign minister.

China and India will jointly celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence this year.

Li said the principles are great contributions of Chinese, Indian and Asian people to the international relations and still have strong vitality today.

Singh said India attaches great importance to the friendly relations it has with China, and India is willing to promote ties in an all-round way under the guidance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Iraqi issue.