On Monday, China lodged a protest with India regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, as well as the attendance of a Union minister at the celebrations.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the 14th Dalai Lama is in political exile in India and accused him of engaging in “anti-China separatist activities” aimed at separating Xizang (Tibet) from Chinese control.
Ning emphasized that China’s stance on Tibet-related issues remains consistent and clear: “The position of the Chinese government on Xizang-related issues is consistent and clear. As is widely known, the 14th Dalai Lama is a political exile who has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities and seeks to separate Xizang from China under the cloak of religion.”
Mao Ning added, “India needs to be fully cognizant of the sensitivity of issues related to Xizang, see clearly the anti-China and separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama, honor the commitments India has made to China on issues related to Xizang, act prudently, and stop using those issues to interfere in China’s internal affairs.”
In his birthday greeting, Modi described the Dalai Lama as an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline.
Earlier, Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, addressed the Dalai Lama’s selection process on platform X, highlighting the historical significance of the reincarnation tradition. “The 14th Dalai Lama is part of this long-standing historical tradition and religious succession, not otherwise,” Xu stated. “The reincarnation of Dalai Lamas neither began from him nor will end due to him. He has no authority to decide whether the reincarnation system shall continue or be abolished.”
On July 2, the Dalai Lama declared that the institution will persist after his death and asserted that the next Dalai Lama will be chosen outside of China, stating, “No one else has the authority to decide on the matter.”
