China has expressed its vehement opposition to the Dalai Lama's visit to Japan, and has lodged a solemn representation with the Japanese government, according to the foreign ministry.

China strongly opposes all forms of support from any country or individual for the Dalai Lama's separatist activities, Hong Lei told a press conference on Monday.

"The Dalai Lama is merely a political exile who has long been engaged in activities to split China under the disguise of religion," Hong said.

Hong noted that the Dalai Lama's international activities seek to work with international anti-China separatist forces to undermine relations between China and other countries and lead to the nation being split up.

This marks the Dalai Lama's 18th visit to Japan. He arrived in Japan on Saturday and will remain there until November 14, the Japan Times reported.

During his stay in Yokohama, near Tokyo, the Dalai Lama urged the Chinese government to rule the Tibet region through more practical measures, considered to be an apparent message to China's incoming leaders.

The Communist Party of China is expected to hold its 18th National Congress from November 8, which will determine the future leadership of the Party and the State.

After the Dalai Lama announced his retirement from political life last year, he has seemed more eager to seek publicity and has not removed himself from political affairs, Lian Xiangmin, a researcher at the China Tibetology Research Center (CTRC), told the Global Times.

"The Dalai Lama has been to Japan many times, and some Japanese politicians use this occasion to create trouble for bilateral relations, especially during this period of downturn caused by the Diaoyu Islands disputes," Lian said.

On Monday, Hong Lei rebuffed a criticism from a UN human rights official, Navi Pillay, who accused the Chinese government of human rights repression on Tibetans.

"The vast majority of people in Tibetan areas are satisfied with their current state," he said. "People's political, economic, cultural and religious rights and interests have been effectively protected."