The White House confirmed that US President Barack Obama will proceed with his plans to meet with the Dalai Lama, despite warnings from China. China has expressed anger over the meeting, stating that it will further strain relations between the two countries, which are already troubled by other issues. China has urged Obama not to meet with the exiled Tibetan leader, whom they view as a separatist. During a meeting between Hu and Obama in Beijing last November, the Chinese leader expressed China's strong opposition to any government leaders or officials meeting with the Dalai Lama, according to Ma. Ma also urged the U.S. to understand the sensitivity of Tibetan issues and handle related matters carefully to avoid damaging China-U.S. relations. China's anger at the White House's announcement was expected, as was the confirmation of the meeting, which had been previously mentioned. This incident occurred shortly after Beijing criticized Washington for a $6.4 billion U.S. weapons package for Taiwan, a self-governing island that China considers a rebellious province. It also took place during tensions between China and the U.S. over China's currency value, trade barriers, and online freedoms. Beijing has become more forceful in its opposition to meetings between the Dalai Lama and foreign leaders, causing tension among patriotic Chinese who view Western criticism of Chinese policy in Tibet as interference. Demonstrations and protests related to Chinese rule in Tibet have led to backlash against countries like France, with China cancelling summits and calling for boycotts of goods. Chinese officials have warned that any meeting between Obama and the Dalai Lama could damage Sino-U.S. relations. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese forces. He wants genuine autonomy for Tibet within Chinese sovereignty, but Beijing believes he is actually seeking independence. Previous US presidents, such as George W. Bush, have met with the Dalai Lama, causing anger from Beijing but no significant consequences. China's recent statement did not mention any specific retaliation for Obama's upcoming meeting with the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan government-in-exile's spokesman, Thubten Samphel, believes this shows China's nervousness about the Tibet issue and pressure from the international community to address it. Despite earlier warnings from Beijing, the White House is not concerned about the upcoming meeting, which could take place this month. White House spokesman Bill Burton informed the press that the president had informed Chinese leaders during his previous visit that he planned to meet with the Dalai Lama and still intends to do so. The United States believes that their relationship with China is strong enough to address shared concerns such as climate change, the global economy, and non-proliferation, as well as openly discuss areas of disagreement. While the US acknowledges Tibet as part of China and hopes for dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama regarding the region's future, a Chinese foreign policy analyst warned that China's response may be more severe than anticipated as Beijing becomes more assertive on what it views as important issues. Yuan Peng, head of US studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that China aims to alter the established parameters of engagement. While the US has sold weapons to Taiwan and met with the Dalai Lama in the past, leading to criticism from China, this time there will be stronger backlash and retaliation.