The US and China have “agreed to disagree” on the issue of America’s engagement with the Dalai Lama and will “work through” the disagreement, a top official said, a day after China strongly protested President Barack Obama’s meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader.

“I think on this issue, obviously, we just agree to disagree on this subject,” Crowley told reporters when asked about China’s angry reaction to the Obama-Dalai meeting.

China summoned US Ambassador to Beijing John M Huntsman, and lodged a strong protest over the issue.

“That said, we continued our dialogue with the Dalai Lama as US administrations of both parties have for a number of years,” Crowley said.

“But the United States (China) relationship, as the Secretary has said, is a mature one.