Obama ignores Chinese anger, greets Dalai Lama at White House

WASHINGTON - Ignoring Chinese anger, US President Obama met Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, in the Map Room of the White House for more than an hour on Thursday.

Aware that Beijing regards the meeting as an infringement of Chinese sovereignty, Obama nevertheless met the Dalai Lama, even as a large crowd of Tibetan supporters and smaller groups of Chinese - gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue.

According to The Times, the exiled Tibetan leader is said to have had a long discussion on religious freedom and human rights with Obama, who he said showed “genuine concern” for Tibet.

The meeting is likely jeopardize longstanding American efforts to secure Chinese co-operation on Iran, North Korea and climate change, but Obama had little choice but to welcome the Dalai Lama.

There was no joint press conference or photo call after the Map Room meeting - only a written statement from Obama’s press secretary, calculated as much to mollify China as to show backing for Tibetan autonomy.

“The President stated his strong support for the preservation of Tibet’s unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the protection of human rights for Tibetans in the People’s Republic of China,” the statement said.

For Tibetans living under Chinese rule, the fact that the meeting took place was enough and a matter of rejoicing.

The Dalai Lama told reporters outside the White House that he was “very happy” with the meeting. (ANI)