By Jane Macartney

BEIJING, Sept 14 (Reuter) - China called in the U.S. charge d'affaires on Thursday to protest against a "drop-in-meeting".

Beijing made a similar complaint about a landmark private visit to the United States in June by President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province not entitled to independent foreign relations.

In retaliation for Lee's unofficial visit, China recalled its envoy from Washington, delayed accepting a new U.S. ambassador and cut off U.S.-Chinese security and political dialogues in moves that plunged Sino-U.S. to the lowest point since they were established 16 years ago.

Gore met the Dalai Lama in his capacity as a religious leader, not as head of the government-in-exile he has set up in Dharamsala, India, "to discuss a range of international and ethical issues," the White House said.

A White House statement said the United States continued to urge high-level talks between Beijing and the Dalai Lama "to resolve differences." The Dalai Lama has been pressing for a measure of autonomy from China, which sent troops into Tibet in 1950.

The Dalai Lama said on Monday he was ready to resume talks with China on the future of his troubled Himalayan region "any place, any time," including Beijing.

The Foreign Minstry spokesman said China could not consider talks unless the Dalai Lama gave up his demands for independence for his Himalayan homeland.

"So far as Dalai Lama can relinquish or give up his stands of an independent Tibet...the central government can welcome and is ready to hold talks with the Dalai Lama," he said.