The government-in-exile of Tibet has indicated that concessions over its demands for independence are again to be offered to China.

A Tibetan official, Samdong Rinpoche, speaking in India, said proposals for a high degree of autonomy instead of independence would be given in a speech by the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who's beginning a ten-day visit to the United States.

There's been an angry reaction in China, where the foreign ministry warned the Dalai Lama against creating what it called international clamour over Tibet during his trip.

Officials also dismissed speculation that the Dalai Lama might soon be allowed to visit China for the first time in nearly forty years.