Beijing  - China reacted angrily Sunday to French President Nicolas Sarkozy's decision to meet with the Dalai Lama over the weekend in Europe.

"This development is indeed an unwise move which not only hurts the feelings of the Chinese people, but also undermines Sino-French ties," state-run Xinhua news agency said of Saturday's meeting in the Policsh city of Gdansk.

"The Dalai Lama has long been engaged in activities worldwide to split China. He can by no means conceal the separatist nature of his activities no matter what by whatever disguise and whatever florid rhetoric he may use."

It said the Chinese government and people firmly oppose Dalai's activities "aimed at splitting China" conducted in any country under any disguise.

Beijing also opposes any foreign leader's contact with the Tibetan spiritual leader in any form. It said the Tibet issue involves China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"The French side, however, in total disregard of China's grave concern and the general situation of Sino-French relations, took an opportunistic, rash and short-sighted approach to handling the Tibet issue," Xinhua said.

It also suggested the move could strain relations with the European Union, which France currently holds the one-year presidency of, beyond just bilateral ties.

"Unfortunately, however, the unwise move by France, the rotating EU presidency, on the Tibet issue has not only undermined Sino-French ties, but has also obstructed the process of dialogue, exchange and cooperation between China and the EU," the report said. (dpa)