China has complained about US President Barack Obama's scheduled meeting on Saturday with exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
China's foreign ministry urged Mr Obama to cancel the White House engagement, which is expected to last half an hour.
The private discussion is intended to show Mr Obama's support for Tibet's identity, the White House said.
Mr Obama's last meeting with the Dalai Lama in February 2010 drew strong condemnation from Beijing.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement on Saturday: "We firmly oppose any senior foreign government officials meeting with the Dalai Lama in any way."
The White House did not immediately return a call seeking comment about Beijing's displeasure.
But the White House said earlier in a statement announcing the meeting: "The president will highlight his enduring support for dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and the Chinese government to resolve differences."
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