China demands that the European Union "observe its political commitment" and lift arms embargo against China as soon as possible, said Liu Jianchao, spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a regular press conference Tuesday.

Liu said that the EU has made a political commitment to China on this issue and that the EU also understands China's stance. China demands that the EU lift arms embargo and pay attention to " ending political discrimination against China," so as to remove the last obstacle in Sino-EU relations, he said.

"We don't focus on importing more weapons from the EU," Liu said.

Liu said that China and the EU are strategic and cooperative partners, and he hopes the two sides can develop relations on the basis of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

Dalai Lama's trip to Sweden

China always opposes Dalai Lama's political activities under any name and in any country, said the spokesman in reply to a reporter's question on Dalai Lama's recent visit to Sweden.

"We hope the relevant country can adhere to the promises of upholding one-China policy and opposing Tibet independence to prevent the bilateral relations from being endangered," said Liu.

"The Dalai Lama is a politician in exile disguised as a religious figure, and engages in separatist activities against China, and Chinese government has expressed the concerns over the issue to the Swedish government," Liu said.

However, Liu noted that the dialogue between China and Dalai Lama is always open so long as the Dalai Lama "truly gives up advocating Tibet independence" and declares in public that he recognizes Tibet and Taiwan are inalienable parts of China.

"Then we shall contact him for negotiations," Liu said.

By People's Daily Online