Dalai Lama (file photo)

A top Chinese official has accused Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, of trying to sabotage the Beijing Olympics.

Speaking with reporters Friday on the sidelines of an annual legislative meeting in Beijing, China's top official in Tibet, Zhang Qingli, accused the Dalai Lama of trying to sabotage the Games and spread rumors.

Chinese officials also warned against any attempts to use the Olympics for protests, stressing that China is prepared to take measures to uphold stability.

Zhang did not say how he believes the Dalai Lama is trying to sabotage the Games. In a recent interview with Britain's ITV News, the Dalai Lama urged his supporters to stage peaceful protests during the Olympics.

As the Games near, activists are increasingly using the Olympics as a platform for their causes.

China frequently accuses the Dalai Lama of trying to split Tibet from China. The Dalai Lama says he is seeking autonomy for Tibet.

Chinese troops took control of Tibet in 1950. At the end of the decade, Tibet's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled the region to live with followers in northern India.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.