Extending good wishes to Tibet's exiled Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday, whom Beijing regards as a dangerous "splittist", or separatist, US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said calling the exiled spiritual leader's birthday an opportunity to celebrate "the message of hope and spiritual guidance that he has shared with the world".

Taking to her official Twitter handle, the US House Speaker wrote "May his birthday bring happiness, health and security to all." And it is an opportunity for all people to recommit to ensuring the Tibetan people can practice their religion, speak their language and celebrate their culture freely without interference or intimidation from Beijing."

The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in March 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, believes in 'middle-way' approach, meaning greater autonomy for Tibet rather than outright independence.

Joining the birthday celebrations from Washington on Tuesday, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said: "Today, we wish a happy birthday to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose grace and compassion have served as an inspiration to all of us.

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