The Dalai Lama is set to receive a Congressional Gold Medal, the top US civilian honour, later on Wednesday - a move that has infuriated China.
The Dalai Lama has been awarded a Congressional Gold Medal - the top US civilian honour - in a move that has infuriated China.
George W Bush will attend the ceremony in Washington, becoming the first sitting US president to appear in public with the exiled Tibetan leader.
George W Bush attended the ceremony in Washington, the first time a sitting US president has appeared in public with the exiled Tibetan leader.
Chinese state media warned it would "cast a shadow" over ties with the US.
Chinese state media had warned it would "cast a shadow" over ties with the US.
Beijing has been accused of human rights abuses in Tibet, which its communist troops occupied in 1951.
Beijing has been accused of human rights abuses in Tibet, which its communist troops occupied in 1951.
'Gross interference'
'Man of peace'
President Bush defended his decision to attend the ceremony, saying China should hold talks with the Buddhist leader.
Mr Bush led the 72-year-old Buddhist leader into the Capitol Rotunda, holding his hand as they entered before sitting side-by-side.
"I have consistently told the Chinese that religious freedom is in their nation's interest," he said.
CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL Top US civilian award Originally awarded to soldiers for achievement in battle, but became civilian award with introduction of Medal of HonorFirst awarded in 1776 to General George WashingtonTwo-third majority required to approve each candidate Each medal uniquely designed and created by the US MintOver 100 medals awardedPrevious winners include Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela Tony Blair, Winston Churchill and Pope John Paul II
CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL Top US civilian award Originally awarded to soldiers for achievement in battle, but became civilian award with introduction of Medal of HonorFirst awarded in 1776 to General George WashingtonTwo-third majority required to approve each candidate Each medal uniquely designed and created by the US MintOver 100 medals awardedPrevious winners include Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela Tony Blair, Winston Churchill and Pope John Paul II
"I've also told them that I think it's in their interest to meet with the Dalai Lama, and will say so at the ceremony today in Congress."
As he presented the medal, Mr Bush hailed the Nobel Peace Prize winner as a "universal symbol of peace and tolerance".
"I will continue to urge the leaders of China to welcome the Dalai Lama to China," Mr Bush said.
"They will find this good man to be a man of peace and reconciliation."
He said the US could not close its eyes to the plight of the religiously oppressed.
The Tibetan leader said he was "deeply touched" to receive such a "great honour".
"I believe that this award also sends a powerful message to those individuals who are dedicated to promoting peace," the Dalai Lama said.
'Gross interference'
Mr Bush met the Dalai Lama behind closed doors on Tuesday in the White House residence, rather than the Oval Office, out of deference to China. It was their third private meeting in six years.
Mr Bush met the Dalai Lama behind closed doors on Tuesday in the White House residence, rather than the Oval Office, out of deference to China. It was their third private meeting in six years.
But Wednesday's elaborate ceremony to honour the Nobel Peace Prize winner on Capitol Hill will be a much more public affair.
But Wednesday's elaborate ceremony was a much more public affair.
Beijing described it as a "gross interference in China's internal affairs".
Beijing described it as a "gross interference in China's internal affairs".
"China is strongly resentful of this and resolutely opposes it," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao was quoted by the official Xinhua news agency as saying on Wednesday.
"China is strongly resentful of this and resolutely opposes it," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao was quoted by the official Xinhua news agency as saying.
An editorial in the official China Daily newspaper, titled "Wrong Move by the US," said: "This event will certainly cast a shadow over the relations."
An editorial in the official China Daily newspaper said: "This event will certainly cast a shadow over the relations."
A White House spokeswoman said on Tuesday Mr Bush understood Beijing's concerns.
But she added: "We would hope the Chinese leader would get to know the Dalai Lama as the president sees him - as a spiritual leader and someone who wants peace."
Beijing has long argued the Dalai Lama is seeking to destroy China's sovereignty by pushing for independence for devoutly Buddhist Tibet.
Beijing has long argued the Dalai Lama is seeking to destroy China's sovereignty by pushing for independence for devoutly Buddhist Tibet.
The 72-year-old insists he wants "real autonomy", not independence for the region, which Beijing claims is an "inalienable" part of China.
He insists he wants "real autonomy", not independence for the region, which Beijing claims is an "inalienable" part of China.
Balancing act
Balancing act
Analysts say it is a delicate diplomatic balancing act for Mr Bush, who needs China's help to manage nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea.
Analysts say it is a delicate diplomatic balancing act for Mr Bush, who needs China's help to manage nuclear standoffs with Iran and North Korea.
Last month's meeting with Angela Merkel angered ChinaMeanwhile, China's Communist Party, which is holding its 17th Congress this week, is highly sensitive to potential embarrassment as it prepares to stage next year's Olympics.
It was the first time a US president had appeared with the Dalai Lama in publicMeanwhile, China's Communist Party, which is holding its 17th Congress this week, is highly sensitive to potential embarrassment as it prepares to stage next year's Olympics.
US lawmakers regularly accuse Beijing of turning a blind eye to alleged human rights abuses in Burma and Sudan in its pursuit of energy and business deals.
US lawmakers regularly accuse Beijing of turning a blind eye to alleged human rights abuses in Burma and Sudan in its pursuit of energy and business deals.
Recently, world leaders have grown more vocal in their concern for human rights in Tibet.
Recently, world leaders have grown more vocal in their concern for human rights in Tibet.
In September, German Chancellor Angela Merkel met the Dalai Lama, incurring Beijing's wrath.
In September, German Chancellor Angela Merkel met the Dalai Lama, incurring Beijing's wrath.
The historic Berlin meeting prompted China to withdraw from a German-Chinese symposium scheduled to be held in Munich and to cancel an annual event due to be held in Beijing in December to discuss human rights.
The Dalai Lama has also met Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer and Australian Prime Minister John Howard this year, and is due to meet Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper later this month.
The Dalai Lama has also met Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer and Australian Prime Minister John Howard this year, and is due to meet Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper later this month.
China was outraged when Canada granted the Dalai Lama honorary citizenship last year.
China was outraged when Canada granted the Dalai Lama honorary citizenship last year.
Should the United States honour the Dalai Lama? Are you a Tibetan, Chinese or an American? Send us your views by using the form below:
Should the United States honour the Dalai Lama? Are you a Tibetan, Chinese or an American? Send us your views by using the form below:
