In Which China Tries To Boss Us Around

China took their crazy train to the US yesterday, warning officials that they shouldn't meet with the leader-in-exile of Tibet during his visit to Washington DC.  Which is going to be hard to follow, cuz Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Maria Otero already did.

The Chinese government regularly engages in smear campaigns against the peacenik Nobel Prize winner in an attempt to paint him as fomenting violent revolt in Tibet.  Um, have they never read his books?

"On Thursday, House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and other senior U.S. lawmakers also met the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader.

"Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Beijing's position on the Dalai Lama's foreign visits was clear.

"'We oppose the underhand visits of the Dalai Lama which he uses to engage in activities to split the motherland,' Hong told a regular news briefing.

"'At the same time, we also oppose any foreign government or politicians supporting or abetting in such activities by the Dalai Lama,' he added.

"'We hope that the United States strictly abide by its promises on the Tibet issue and ... cautiously and appropriately deal with relevant issues,' Hong said."

While the US is officially neutral in the Tibet/China issue, President Barack Obama met with the Dalai Lama last year amid strong denunciation from Beijing.  To which I say: Fuck off, China.  We can meet with whoever we please.  While we get that you're all about being able to control the flow of information to your populace, you cannot dictate to your allies who we let come over for tea.