The succession of the Dalai Lama is a major point of contention between China and India, according to a Chinese embassy spokesperson in New Delhi. This comes as India’s foreign minister prepares for his first visit to China since deadly border clashes in 2020.
The Dalai Lama recently asserted that China has no role in his succession, a statement that further angered Beijing. While Tibetans believe the Dalai Lama’s soul is reincarnated, China maintains that its leaders must approve his successor. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since 1959.
The Chinese embassy spokesperson, Yu Jing, criticized “improper remarks” made by some Indian strategists and academics regarding the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. She stressed that Tibet (Xizang) is an internal Chinese affair and warned India that using the “Tibet card” would be self-defeating. This warning follows recent support from Indian officials, including a minister, for the Dalai Lama’s stance on his succession.
India’s foreign ministry, however, stated that it does not take a position on religious beliefs or practices. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to China will include bilateral meetings and marks a significant high-level engagement between the two countries since their relationship deteriorated after the 2020 border clashes.
Click here for more on World
