China warns of damage from Obama-Dalai meet

The White House, in defiance of repeated angry Chinese protests in recent days, has said Obama would meet the Dalai Lama next week in Washington, just as the US leader seeks Beijing's help in imposing tough new sanctions on Iran.

Beijing has lodged a solemn representation with Washington, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement.

"We firmly oppose the Dalai Lama visiting the United States and US leaders having contact with him," Ma said.

"We urge the US side to fully understand the high sensitivity of Tibet-related issues, and honour its commitment to recognise Tibet as part of China and to oppose 'Tibet independence'," he added.

"China urges the US... to immediately call off the wrong decision of arranging for President Obama to meet with the Dalai Lama... to avoid any more damage to Sino-US relations."