White House On Offensive Over Dalai Lama Meeting

The White House has tried to calm anger in Beijing over the Dalai Lama's meeting with President Bush, saying it wasn't meant to be a "poke in the eye" for China. But the Chinese leadership won't be easily placated, today accusing the US of gross interference in its internal affairs. And an unprecedented American tribute to the Tibetan spiritual leader, who's due to be awarded a rare Congressional honour, looks set to further strain relations.

It was a controversy waiting to happen - the Dalai Lama at the White House was always going to outrage the Chinese. But President Bush's meeting with Tibet's exiled spiritual leader still went ahead, although, out of deference to Chinese objections, they met privately, behind closed doors. After his third meeting in six years with Mr Bush, the Dalai Lama says he feels like one of the family.

DALAI LAMA, TIBETAN SPIRITUAL LEADER: I really feel like, that, naturally. He is showing his concern about Tibet and he inquired about the situation, and then, accordingly, I explained.

The usually tactful Dalai Lama also noted that they'd discussed Burma's crackdown on dissident Buddhist monks.

DALAI LAMA: That reflect beating by Chinese of Tibetan monks - very similar.

The comparison won't go down well in Beijing. China's already infuriated by Mr Bush's meeting with the Dalai Lama, whom it's long accused of advocating independence for Tibet.

"We call on America to correct their mistakes, and stop interfering in China's internal affairs," said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Denying the meeting was provocative, the White House brushed off Chinese warnings that relations with the US will suffer.

DANA PERINO, WHITE HOUSE SPOKESWOMAN: We in no way want to stir the pot and make China feel that we are poking a stick in their eye to a country that we have a lot of relationships with on a variety of issues, I mean, a good relationship with, on a variety of issues.

But the Chinese are incensed by a rare honour being bestowed on the Dalai Lama. He's due to receive a Congressional Gold Medal - America's highest civilian award. Previous medal winners include the late pope John Paul II, the former South African president Nelson Mandela and Mother Theresa - hallowed company, indeed.

Vesna Nazor,

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