The US State Department says a senior official in charge of Tibetan issues has met with the Dalai Lama in New York. Beijing regards the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism as a "separatist" trying to split Tibet from China.

The US department announced that Under Secretary of State Uzra Zeya, who is special coordinator for Tibetan issues, met with the 14th Dalai Lama on Wednesday. He has been in the US since June for a knee surgery.

It said Zeya conveyed, on behalf of President Joe Biden, best wishes for the 89-year-old leader's good health. It also said a senior official for human rights in the White House National Security Council joined Zeya for the meeting.

After the meeting, the under secretary posted a photo of the meeting with the Dalai Lama, with a comment that the United States reaffirmed its "unwavering support for the Tibetan community."

The Dalai Lama fled to northern India during China's crackdown on Tibet more than 60 years ago.

China has responded sharply to the latest meeting.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Beijing has lodged a protest with the US, saying it opposes such meetings in any form.