Chinese observers believe an invitation from Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe to the Dalai Lama could derail Sino-French relations just as they were getting back on track.

Delanoe's spokesman, Laurent Fary, confirmed that the mayor has invited the Dalai Lama to the French capital in early June to collect the title of honorary citizen of the city, which he was awarded in 2008.

Earlier this month, Beijing urged Paris not to interfere in China's internal affairs by meeting the Dalai Lama.