China has summoned the US ambassador in Beijing to protest at President Barack Obama's meeting with exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama.
China's foreign ministry said the US leader's discussions with the Dalai Lama had "seriously harmed" Sino-US relations.
"The US action seriously interfered in Chinese internal affairs, seriously hurt the feelings of China's people and seriously harmed China-US relations," said a statement released by ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu.
The Xinhua news agency said Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai had demanded talks with US officials to express China's anger at the White House discussions.
Cui "lodged solemn representations" to Ambassador Jon Huntsman, Xinhua said.
Pledge of support for Dalai Lama
On Thursday, Obama pledged his support for Tibetans' identity and rights during a private meeting with the Dalai Lama in Washington DC.
The talks were meticulously planned - and held out of sight of television cameras - in hopes of containing Chinese protests.
But China has accused the US President of reneging on previous understandings in respect of Chinese sovereignty, and ignoring repeated warnings not to go ahead with the meeting.
The Dalai Lama, who fled his homeland for India in 1959, advocates a "middle way" of seeking greater rights for Tibetans while accepting Chinese rule.
But Beijing insists that the Dalai Lama is insincere and accuses the Buddhist monk, who has built a global following through his spiritual lectures, of plotting to split up China.
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