Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, met with lawmakers in Congress Tuesday, amid continued disapproval by China of his US visit.
The Dalai Lama, a frequent visitor to the United States, visited the US legislature to mark the 20th anniversary of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, where he was the guest of honor.
"What a wonderful honor for all of us to breathe the same air as his holiness the Dalai Lama," said Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the leader of the minority Democrats in the House of Representatives.
"In 40 years of exile, his holiness has used his position and leadership to promote wisdom, compassion, and non-violence as a solution not only to the present crisis in Tibet, but to other long-running conflicts around the world."
The Human Rights Caucus groups members of Congress with a strong interest in addressing issues pertaining to religious, ethnic, or political oppression around the world.
Pelosi said that Tibet itself was one key area of interest among lawmakers in the Human Rights Caucus.
"The survival of the Tibetan identity is an issue of legitimate US and international concern," she said. "The solution ultimately depends on China's recognition of the value to its own interests in fostering internal stability and international respectability."
During his US visit, the Dalai Lama was also taking part in a ceremony at the National Cathedral in the US capital, marking the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington two years ago.
Meanwhile, the US Senate late Monday approved a resolution recognizing the Dalai Lama's efforts to peacefully resolve the Tibet issue, and his mission to increase the religious and cultural autonomy of the Tibetan people.
"I believe the Dalai Lama is absolutely sincere in his desire to negotiate a peaceful solution to what has been a great tragedy for the Tibetan people," said US Senator Dianne Feinstein, who authored the resolution, in a statement.
"His holiness the Dalai Lama is an extraordinary man who has devoted his life to non-violence, human rights, freedom, and democracy."
Despite Beijing's stated disapproval of the Tibetan spiritual leader's US trip, Feinstein said she was hopeful "that his visit to Washington will increase understanding of the Tibetan situation here in the United States and ensure our support for substantive dialogue between the government of the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama."
China, which has ruled Tibet since 1951, has already asked Washington not to welcome him.
"The Chinese side expresses grave concern over this matter," a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement last month.
"We have made representation to the American side over this matter, and have requested the US government strictly abide by its promise to recognize Tibet as a part of China, to not support 'Tibet independence,' and to not allow the Dalai Lama to go to the United States to engage in activities to split China."
China views Tibet as a part of its territory and opposes any official contact between the Dalai Lama and any foreign government.
The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after an uprising against Chinese rule was crushed by the army.