Chinese policy 'working in Tibet'

Tibetans say they have little religious and political freedom under China

China's Premier Wen Jiabao has defended his country's stance on Tibet, saying peace and stability there proved that the government's policies were correct.

Mr Wen said talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama could continue if he gave up his "separatist stance".

The Tibetan spiritual leader says he seeks greater autonomy for Tibet within China, something China has rejected as a bid for "disguised independence".

Tibetans recently marked 50 years since a failed revolt against Chinese rule.

In his anniversary speech on Tuesday, the Dalai Lama accused China of having made life in the Himalayan region "hell on earth" for his people.

Speaking from his seat in exile in Dharamsala, he also accused Beijing of creating a climate of fear.

'Harmed feelings'

At a carefully managed press briefing at the close of the National People's Congress in Beijing, the Chinese premier was twice asked about Tibet.

TIBET DIVIDE China says Tibet was always part of its territory Tibet enjoyed long periods of autonomy before the 20th Century 1950: China launched a military assault Opposition to Chinese rule led to a bloody uprising which began on 10 March 1959 Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled days later and crossed into India on 31 March 1959

He insisted that region was stable and prospering under Chinese rule, saying: "Tibet's continuous progress has proven the policies we have adopted are right."

Mr Wen also pressed France to clarify its position on Tibet, saying this was necessary to improve relations.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy incurred Beijing's wrath when he met the Dalai Lama in December last year.

"The problems that have arisen between China and France arose mainly because the French leader met the Dalai Lama in a prominent way, and this not only involved the core interests of China, it also seriously harmed the feelings of the Chinese people," Mr Wen said.

Thousands of troops and paramilitary police were deployed in Tibet and ethnic Tibetan areas of China ahead of the sensitive anniversary.

Last year, protests in Lhasa to mark the anniversary led to deadly anti-Chinese riots that spread across Tibetan regions - the worst unrest there for 20 years.

China does not allow foreign journalists unrestricted access to Tibet or some of the surrounding areas, making it extremely difficult to verify reports from the region.