BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposed a U.S. congressional delegation's visit to the Dalai Lama, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday, telling U.S. lawmakers to use caution when dealing with issues related to Tibet.

Media reported that a U.S. congressional delegation, led by House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, visited the Dalai Lama in India Tuesday.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang told a routine press briefing that the Dalai Lama is a political exile who has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.

In meeting with the Dalai Lama, U.S. lawmakers sent an incorrect message to the world and violated the U.S. government pledge not to support "Tibetan independence," Geng said.

"U.S. lawmakers should cease contact with the Dalai Lama and take measures to rectify the negative impact of their actions," Geng added.