China said it firmly opposes any country allowing the Dalai Lama to make visits under any pretext.

On Wednesday, senior US officials held talks with the Dalai Lama in New York where he was visiting to receive medical treatment. He met with US State Department official Uzra Zeya and White House National Security Council official Kelly Razzouk.

"China has made solemn protests with the US," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing on Thursday.

"We don't allow the Dalai Lama to engage in political separatist activities in the US."

The Dalai Lama, 89, received knee surgery in New York this year, saying he was recovering well in a statement released in July. (Agencies)