Beijing: International condemnation of China's crackdown in Tibet was "a typical example of confusing right with wrong," Chinese state media said in a commentary today.

Mentioning by name US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who slammed China's "oppression" in Tibet, the commentary said: "The Lhasa riots were violent acts premeditated, organised and masterminded by the Dalai clique," a reference to Tibet's exiled spiritual leader.

"This is an undeniable fact witnessed by the local residents and foreign tourists," the commentary on state news agency Xinhua said, also dismissing calls to enter into dialogue with the Dalai Lama.

Rounding on the US House Speaker and Washington, the commentary added, "Pelosi and other congressmen did nothing to condemn those who committed beating, smashing, robbery and arson in Lhasa, nor did they denounce Dalai and his followers for masterminding and organising the riots."

The lengthy 600-word commentary was released as anti-China protests erupted in Paris as the Olympic torch passed through on the way to the Beijing Olympics in August.

It reiterated its accusation that the Dalai Lama "clique" was responsible for the unrest in the Tibetan capital Lhasa, and defended Beijing's actions in putting down the protests.

"The truth is, normal life was resumed in Lhasa after the Chinese government took appropriate actions according to law," the unsigned commentary continued, saying more than 100 countries had supported its actions in Tibet proof, it said, that "the international community sides with China on the issue."

Source : PTI