AMBER WOLF | staff writer
WITH AP SOURCES
Chinese officials lashed out at the United States after the Dalai Lama received Congress’ highest civilian honor, the Congressional Medal, in an elaborate ceremony, in Washington D.C.
The Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader of Tebetan Buddhists, has lived in exile since 1959, when the Chinese army trampled his plan of destroying China’s independence by pushing for Tibet’s sovereignty.
“Such a person who basically splits his motherland and doesn’t even love his motherland has been welcomed has been welcomed by some countries and has even been receiving this or that award,” Tibet’s Communist Party boss, Zhang Qingli, said.
Chinese officials had warned the United States the day before award ceremony not to honor him.
The ceremony also created controversy throughout the White House.
“We in no way want to stir the pot and make China feel that we are poking a stick in their eye,” the chief of White House spokesperson Dana Perino said.
The decision by Washington to honor the Dalai Lama is a setback to Beijing’s efforts to stand by its rule over Tibet’s support for the spiritual leader, who remains popular among Tibetans since fleeing into exile 48 years ago.
The Bush administration tried to appease feelings about the Dalai Lama, more than a month ago in Sydney when he accepted an invite from China’s President Hu Jintao to attend the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing. The White House explained that Bush has always gone to medal ceremonies. 
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