Foreign Ministry spokesperson Liu Jianchao on Friday rebuked the separatist activities of five US tourists in Tibet, saying China has been in contact with the US 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 US 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 US government and made representation over the issue according to international pacts and China-US consulate treaty, he said.

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

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2007)