China protests over Indian PM Narendra Modi's birthday greetings to Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
'India should fully appreciate the great sensitivity of Tibet-related issues, recognise the separatist nature, honour the commitments it has made to China related to Tibet-related issues, and act prudently, and stop using these issues to meddle in China's internal affairs,' Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Monday afternoon.
She added that Beijing had lodged a protest with New Delhi.
On Sunday – the birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama, who is the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet – Modi posted on social media: 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday.'
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks during a prayer ceremony celebrating his 90th birthday near Dharamsala on Sunday. Photo: AFP
'He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline,' Modi added.
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