BEIJING - CHINA on Tuesday declined to comment on a recent meeting of Tibetan exiles in which they backed the Dalai Lama's efforts to win greater autonomy for the Himalayan region.

'The central government has a very firm attitude and position on this issue, we have repeatedly expanded on our position,' foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters when asked about the meeting.

However Mr Qin declined to elaborate.

China has repeatedly accused the Dalai Lama, Tibet's spiritual leader, of covertly seeking independence for his Himalayan homeland.

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

He has insisted for many years he only wants greater autonomy for Tibet.

Following a week of talks in India, Tibetan exiles on Saturday backed the Dalai Lama's 'middle way' approach of attempting to secure concessions from China on securing 'meaningful autonomy' for Tibet.

The decision came despite a number of participants calling for the approach to be replaced by an unequivocal demand for independence.

China has ruled Tibet since 1951, a year after sending in troops to 'liberate' the region. -- AFP