A Chinese government spokesperson has told journalists that China influenced South Africa in decision to deny the Dalai Lama a visa to visit the country. Referring to South Africa and China’s current economic collaboration worth $60 billion/£40 billion/R913 billion to S Africa, Lin Songtian said “We invest a lot of money in South Africa and we can’t allow [the Dalai Lama] to come and spoil the good relations.”