President Ma Ying-jeou says 'the timing is not appropriate' for a visit by the Dalai Lama.

His comments on Wednesday follow widely circulated reports that the Dalai Lama wanted to come to the island in the coming months.

Such a visit would almost certainly anger China, long engaged in a campaign to clamp down on pro-independence activities in Tibet.

Mr Ma has made improved relations with Beijing the hallmark of his six-month-old administration. -- AP