Brown to meet Dalai Lama but risks Chinese anger

By Adrian Croft

LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on Wednesday he would meet exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, when he visits Britain in May.

China's Foreign Ministry said it was "seriously concerned" by Brown's statement in parliament, which risks damaging his drive for closer relations with China.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has accused the Dalai Lama of masterminding protests against Chinese rule in Tibet that culminated in riots in which dozens may have died. The Dalai Lama denies the accusations.

"I will meet the Dalai Lama when he is in London," Brown said. "I think it is important that we all facilitate discussions (about Tibet)."

Tibet activists and the opposition Conservatives welcomed Brown's announcement on the Nobel peace laureate, who is due to visit Britain in late May.

Anne Holmes, director of the Free Tibet Campaign, which campaigns for Tibetan self-determination, urged Brown to meet the Dalai Lama at his official Downing Street residence, giving the meeting added weight.

China's Foreign Ministry urged Britain to understand the Dalai Lama's "true face" and offer no support, reported Xinhua news agency, monitored in London.

"China is seriously concerned about the message (Brown's remarks on his willingness to meet Dalai)," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said, according to Xinhua.