China said it was still open to dialogue with representatives of exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, after the United Nations chief urged Beijing to continue the talks.
But, repeating its long-held position, China insisted that making headway in the negotiations was up to the Dalai Lama.
"The Chinese government... always expresses sincerity towards the contacts and negotiations, and the door to talks with the Dalai side is always open," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on China Friday to continue the negotiations on the future of Tibet with representatives of the Dalai Lama.
Ban said he hoped the dialogue would continue "in a sincere manner, so all the concerns concerning Tibet will be resolved smoothly and harmoniously."
Some information for this report was provided by AFP.