Defying China, United States President George W Bush [Images] gave the Dalai Lama [Images] one of the highest US honours on Wednesday.

Rubbing salt into China's wounds, the US president urged the Communist country to immediately hold direct talks with the spiritual leader in-exile, whom he described as "a man of peace and reconciliation". 

The Tibetan Buddhist leader has been bestowed with the Congressional Gold Medal. The event also saw first time a US President sharing a big-stage event with the Dalai Lama. 

Thanking the award, the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet for India in 1959, said he had no hidden agendas in mind, but only seeking greater autonomy.

According to reports, China demanded cancellation of the award ceremony, saying it seriously violated the norms of international relations.