Comments from the Chinese embassy spokesperson in New Delhi precede the Indian foreign minister’s upcoming visit to China—the first since the 2020 border clashes

China Calls Tibet-Related Issues a ‘Thorn’ in Ties with India

Ahead of the Indian foreign minister’s visit to China—the first since the 2020 border clashes—a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in New Delhi described Tibet-related matters as a persistent ‘thorn’ affecting bilateral relations.

A child holds a placard celebrating the 90th birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama at Tsuglagkhang, also known as the Dalai Lama Temple complex, in Dharamshala, northern India."

The Chinese embassy in New Delhi described the succession of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, as a “thorn” in China-India relations.

These remarks were made on Sunday, ahead of India’s foreign minister’s first visit to China since the deadly border clashes between the two countries in 2020.

“In reality, the Tibet-related issue is a thorn in China-India relations and has become a burden for India,” Chinese embassy spokesperson Yu Jing wrote on X, referring to Tibet by its Chinese name, “Xizang.”

Dalai Lama's Succession Remarks Stir Tensions Ahead of 90th Birthday Celebrations

In the lead-up to his 90th birthday celebrations this month—attended by senior Indian ministers—the Dalai Lama reignited tensions with Beijing by asserting that China would have no role in selecting his successor.

While Tibetan Buddhists believe that the soul of a senior monk is reincarnated after death, China maintains that any future successor must be approved by its government.

The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since 1959, following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet.

Foreign policy analysts note that his continued presence in India gives New Delhi a strategic advantage in its complex relationship with Beijing. India also hosts around 70,000 Tibetan refugees and the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

In her post, Chinese embassy spokesperson Yu Jing, without naming individuals, criticized certain members of India’s strategic and academic circles for making “improper remarks” about the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation.

“As professionals in foreign affairs, they should fully understand the sensitivity of issues related to Xizang,” Yu wrote, using the Chinese term for Tibet. “The reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama is entirely an internal matter of China.”

India Walks Diplomatic Tightrope on Dalai Lama Reincarnation Ahead of High-Level China Visit

Indian Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who sat beside the Dalai Lama during his 90th birthday celebrations last week, stated that as a practicing Buddhist, he believes only the Dalai Lama and his institution have the authority to decide on matters of his reincarnation.

Just days earlier, on July 4, India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that New Delhi does not take a position on religious beliefs or practices, including those related to faith and spiritual succession.

India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, is scheduled to visit Tianjin, northern China, on July 15 to attend a regional security summit under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). He is also expected to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the meeting.

This marks one of the highest-level engagements between India and China since their relations sharply deteriorated following a deadly border clash in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.

Source: News Agencies

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