'Should act and speak prudently': China protests PM Modi's birthday greeting for Dalai Lama; lodges formal protest
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in a media briefing on Monday that New Delhi should 'fully appreciate the great sensitivity of Xizang-related issues and recognise the separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama'.
'The 14th Dalai Lama is a political exile, who for a long, has been engaged in separatist activities and attempted to separate Xizang from China under the cover of religion,' Mao said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
'India should act and speak prudently and stop using this issue to meddle in China's internal affairs,' she added.
She confirmed that Beijing had lodged an official protest with the government. China refers to Tibet as Xizang and maintains that the Dalai Lama is part of a separatist movement, though he has long maintained that he only seeks greater autonomy for Tibetans within China.
'An enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience': PM Modi on Dalai Lama
PM Modi, who was attending the Brics Summit, had posted a message on X on Sunday: 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday.
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He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.'
The birthday event saw the attendance of Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu, and Sikkim minister Sonam Lama, among others. Hollywood actor Richard Gere and political leaders from around the world also joined the celebrations, signalling strong support for the Tibetan spiritual leader.
India says only Dalai Lama can pick successor
India has strongly rejected China's assertion that it has a role in selecting the next Dalai Lama, insisting the decision lies solely with the Tibetan spiritual leader and traditional Buddhist practices. 'The Dalai Lama's position is of immense importance, not just for Tibetans but for millions of his followers across the globe. The right to decide on his successor rests solely with him, in accordance with centuries-old Buddhist customs,' said Kiren Rijiju, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minorities.
He condemned Beijing's stance as 'unwarranted interference'.
Also read:
Dalai Lama cannot decide on reincarnation, says China; India maintains neutrality
The response follows the Dalai Lama's statement that his reincarnation would be determined by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a body he established, and not by Chinese authorities. The Dalai Lama has previously indicated his successor would come from outside China, contradicting Beijing's desire to select a pro-China figure from Tibet. China insists the process must include the 'Golden Urn' method and government approval.
China has long maintained that any future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must go through a process approved by the Chinese government, including the drawing of lots from a golden urn. Chinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong echoed this view, posting that 'he has no authority to abolish or continue the system'.
The ministry of external affairs also clarified India's position. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said: 'Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion.'
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