Beijing, Oct 28 (IANS): China on Friday warned that the Dalai Lama's scheduled visit to Arunachal Pradesh will damage ties with India.

"India will only damage peace and stability of the border areas as well as the bilateral relationship between China and India," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said.

The reaction came a day after India said the Dalai Lama was free to travel to any part of the country and Arunachal Pradesh was no exception.

The Tibetan spiritual leader is likely to visit the northeastern state bordering China early next year. Arunachal Pradesh is claimed by China, which calls it South Tibet.

China has accused the Dalai Lama of secessionist activities in Tibet. He has been living in self-imposed exile in India since 1959.

"The Dalai clique is engaged in anti-China separatist activity and has very disgraceful behaviour on issues relating to China-India boundary question," he said.

"The Indian side is well aware of the severity of the Dalai Lama issue as well as the sensitivity of the China-India boundary question."

Kang said China expected India to honour its political commitment vis-a-vis Tibet.

India has always regarded Tibet as an integral part of China. 

Earlier this week, China reacted angrily after the US ambassador to India, Richard Verma, visited Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.

Beijing warned Washington not to meddle in the border dispute between India and China.