A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Tuesday described Russia's allowing the Dalai Lama to visit the country as something "incomprehensible," and hoped Russia would strictly follow principles on the Tibet issue enshrined in the political documents between the two countries.

"The Dalai Lama is a politician in exile disguised as a religious figure, and engages in separatist activities against China," said spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue at a press conference.

China opposes the move of any country that has diplomatic relations with China to allow the Dalai Lama to visit it in any name or form, she added.

According to an Interfax news agency report, the Dalai Lama arrived in Elista, capital of the Republic of Kalmyk, on Monday to begin his visit to Russia.

Source: Xinhua