Tibet's exiled spiritual leader is in the United States for a birthday celebration and a 10-day prayer and meditation ritual.

The Dalai Lama arrived in the U.S. capital, Washington, DC, Tuesday afternoon. The visit that is also expected to include high-level meetings with U.S. politicians, even though the spiritual leader formally retired from politics earlier this year.

This is the Dalai Lama's first trip to the U.S. since he stepped down as the political leader of the Tibetan government in exile. It may also be the first time he comes to the U.S. without meeting the president, after his low-key meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House last year angered China.

Either way, this visit is likely to again upset Beijing, which accuses the spiritual leader of advocating Tibet's secession from China.

But one expert told VOA it might be a good opportunity for Western countries to encourage China to forge a different relationship with the Dalai Lama, now that he has retired from his political role.

And analysts say Mr. Obama is likely at least to hold a quiet ceremonial meeting with the spiritual leader, since past presidents have met with him every time he has visited the capital.