President Bush will become the first sitting US President to appear publicly with the Dalai Lama, a move that has alarmed China at a time of increased tensions between Tibetan monks and Beijing. Mr Bush will also play host to Tibet's exiled spiritual leader at the White House tomorrow before attending a ceremony on October 17 where the Dalai Lama will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the US Congress's highest civilian honor.
The Dalai Lama's congressional award and US visit have been condemned by Beijing, which accused Congress of "interfering in China's internal affairs". Mr Bush will make a short speech at the medal ceremony. The White House has also played down the significance of Mr Bush's attendance at the award ceremony, saying that he has appeared at every other Congressional Gold Medal event.. (Source: Tim Reid in Washington, New York Times, Oct 15, 2007).