Despite several warnings from China claiming that a meeting with the Dalai Lama will damage diplomatic relations, US President Barack Obama met with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader in the White House on Wednesday. 

The meeting comes at a time when relations with both nations are tense due to the recent territorial dispute between China and several US allies in the South China Sea. The United States does not approve of what they percieve as aggressive assertions by China to claim territory in Asia.

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This is the fourth meeting Obama has had with the Dalai Lama since he took office in 2008. Instead of meeting at the White House oval office, where the US usually entertains world leaders, Obama met the Dalai Lama in the White House Residence.

White House Spokesman John Earnest stated that the meeting had a very "personal nature" to it. Among other things, President Obama accepted the Dalai Lama's condolences regarding the people murdered during the Orlando nightclub shooting.

Earnest further mentioned that Obama has spoken in the past of his "warm personal feelings" for the Dalai Lama and his belief "in preserving Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic traditions." 

Despite Obama'swarmth, Earnest pointed out that this is by no means a change in the US stance on the Tibetan independence movement. While the Dalai Lama did admit that the situation in Tibet was part of their discussion, he claimed that he was not seeking independence for Tibet.

The Dalai Lama believes that it is in Tibet's best interest to remain a part of China. He noted in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday that Xi Jinping has recognized the importance of Buddhism in Chinese culture.

TagsBarack Obama, Dalai Lama, Xi Jinping, china, Tibet