A group of prominent US legislators, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, met with the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala, India, on Wednesday, a move that has provoked a stern reaction from China.

Led by Congressman Michael McCaul and Pelosi, the bipartisan group visited the 88-year-old spiritual leader at his residence in the northern Indian hill town. China, which claims Tibet as part of its territory, condemned the visit, asserting that issues in Tibet are "purely China's domestic affairs" and warning against "external interference."

In her remarks to a gathering of Tibetans, Pelosi expressed her honor at meeting the Dalai Lama, describing it as "truly a blessing," in a speech broadcast by Tibet TV, the exiled government's channel.

The visit coincides with the recent passage of a US Congress bill urging China to resume dialogue with Tibetan leaders, a process that has been stalled since 2010. This move comes as part of broader US efforts to manage tensions with Beijing.

Pelosi emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, "This bill is a message to the Chinese government, that we have clarity in our thinking and understanding of the issue of Tibet's freedom." She added, "It says to the Chinese government: 'Things have changed now, get ready for that.'"

The bill is expected to be signed by President Joe Biden soon.

China's embassy in New Delhi criticized the meeting, labeling the Dalai Lama as "a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion."

Many exiled Tibetans are concerned that Beijing may appoint a rival successor to the Dalai Lama to strengthen its control over Tibet, which it invaded in 1950. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising, crossing into India to seek refuge.

Speaking to the delegates, the Dalai Lama, in his characteristic flowing red robes and yellow wrap, emphasized the shared humanity and rights of all people. "The whole world, we are same human beings, we all have the same right -- and this world belongs to humanity," he said. "We should take care of this world. People of the world should be peaceful, happy."

The Dalai Lama retired from his political role in 2011, passing leadership to a democratically elected government representing about 130,000 Tibetans worldwide. Penpa Tsering, the current sikyong or head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, reiterated their pursuit of the "Middle Way" approach, seeking greater autonomy rather than full independence, and resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict through dialogue.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused the Tibetan administration of separatism and urged the US to reconsider its actions. "We urge the US side to fully recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai group," he said, asserting that Tibet "has always been part" of China. He warned, "The US must not sign the bill into law. China will take resolute measures to firmly defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests."

This diplomatic confrontation highlights the ongoing tension between China and the US over the sensitive issue of Tibet and its political status.