China says Dalai Lama succession issue a 'thorn' in relations with India

China has called the Dalai Lama’s succession issue a “thorn” in its relations with India, escalating tensions just as India’s Foreign Minister prepares for a landmark visit to Beijing—the first since the 2020 border clashes. The Chinese embassy in New Delhi reiterated that the question of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is an internal affair of China, warning India against what it described as “playing the Xizang card.” This comes after the Dalai Lama, celebrating his 90th birthday in India with senior Indian leaders in attendance, publicly stated that only he and his religious office can decide his successor—directly rejecting China’s claim that the process must be approved by Beijing.

Tibetans believe the Dalai Lama’s soul is reborn after death, but China insists its leaders must approve any succession. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since 1959, and his presence is seen by many experts as giving New Delhi strategic leverage over Beijing. The Chinese embassy also criticized unnamed Indian officials and analysts for making “improper remarks” on the reincarnation issue, warning that such actions would be “shooting oneself in the foot”.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing diplomatic standoff.