US President Obama and the Dalai Lama have held a private meeting at the White House in Washington.<br /><br />It’s the third time the two men have met.<br /><br />The US does not support Tibetan calls for independence but says is concerned about the human rights situation and believes the region should have more autonomy.<br /><br />The encounter was condemned by China who warned it would damage ties between Beijing and Washington.<br /><br />A White House spokesperson responded, saying: “When it comes to the relationship the United States has with China, the president and the Dalai Lama agreed on the importance of a positive and constructive US-China relationship and of course we are committed to a constructive relationship with China in which we work together to solve regional and global problems.” <br /><br />China took control of Tibet in 1950 and has been condemned by human rights groups for its crackdown on the religious and cultural heritage.<br /><br />More than 120 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009 in protest against Chinese rule.<br /><br />China calls the Dalai Lama a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ and accused the US of interfering in China’s internal affairs.
