Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao on Friday rebuked the separatist activities of five U.S. tourists in Tibet, saying China has been in contact with the U.S. government over the issue.

Liu was responding to a question concerning the activities of the five mountaineers at a base camp of Mount Everest on Wednesday.

The five U.S. tourists unfurled a banner calling for freedom and independence for Tibet. Chinese public security and border forces discovered the tourists and immediately stopped their action, according to Liu.

The Foreign Ministry said the tourists have been ordered to leave the country.

"The Chinese government and people cannot tolerate any attempt to split China," said Liu.

China has informed the U.S. government and made representation over the issue according to international pacts and China-U.S. consulate treaty, he said.

"The Chinese government has asked the U.S. side to remind its citizens they must obey Chinese laws and regulations, while visiting China," Liu said.

Source: Xinhua