The Chinese Foreign Ministry Wednesday urged France to make joint efforts with China to safeguard the hard-earned improvement of bilateral ties, when responding to the Dalai Lama's visit to France.

"China hopes France will make joint efforts with the Chinese side to eliminate disturbance, continuously enhance mutual trust and safeguard the hard-earned momentum of the improvement of bilateral ties, so as to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral ties," said the Ministry's spokesman Qin Gang at a regular press conference.

He said China hoped France would properly handle the issues related to Tibet.

He added that the Chinese government's policy on the Tibet issue was clear and consistent and doesn't changed at all.

The Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit France on Aug. 12 to 23.

(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2008)