U.S. President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama are both scheduled to attend the U.S. National Prayer Breakfast in Washington on Thursday, Feb. 5, a congressional aide said on Friday.

The Dalai Lama was invited to attend the annual event, and has confirmed he will be there. Obama is also scheduled to attend.

Although China has warned that meeting with the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader would damage ties, Obama has met with him at least three times – a year ago and in 2010 and 2011.

ADVERTISEMENT

Beijing calls the Dalai Lama, who fled to India after a failed uprising in 1959, a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” who seeks to use violent methods to establish an independent Tibet. The Dalai Lama says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet and denies advocating violence or independence.

A White House spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Sandra Maler)