BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua)--China deeply resents and firmly opposes U.S. interference in matters concerning Tibet, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said here today. When commenting on a meeting between U.S. President Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama on June 20, Zhu said the fact that the U.S. government allowed the Dalai Lama to visit the U.S. and that the U.S. leader met with him violating the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques and basic norms governing international relations, and interfering in China's internal affairs.

''China has lodged solemn representations to the United States and expressed deep resentment and firm opposition to that,'' he said, calling the Dalai Lama not merely a religious figure, but also a political figure in exile who engages in activities aiming at splitting the motherland.

It must be pointed out that Tibet has been a part of Chinese territory since ancient times, and the Tibetan affair is purely China's internal affair, which brooks no interference from foreign countries, the spokesman said.

Zhu said the U.S. government has clearly stated that the U.S. recognizes Tibet is a part of Chinese territory, and does not support Tibet's independence.

''China urges the U.S. to practice what it preaches, correct its errors and earnestly honor its commitments,'' he said.