China Criticizes India's Stance on Dalai Lama's Reincarnation
China's Response to Indian Minister's Remarks
Beijing, July 4: On Friday, China expressed strong disapproval of Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju's recent comments regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government urged India to exercise caution in matters related to Tibet to avoid negatively affecting their bilateral relations.
During a press briefing, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated, “India must acknowledge the separatist tendencies of the 14th Dalai Lama and adhere to its commitments concerning Xizang-related issues.” (Xizang is the term used by China for Tibet.)
Mao further emphasized that “India should be careful in its statements and actions, refraining from meddling in China's internal affairs to prevent harming the potential for improved relations between China and India.”
Rijiju had previously asserted that the decision regarding the Dalai Lama's reincarnation lies solely with the Tibetan Buddhist institutions and the spiritual leader, rather than any external authority.
This was the first official response from an Indian minister following the Dalai Lama's recent comments about his successor.
On Wednesday, the Tibetan spiritual leader indicated that the institution of the Dalai Lama would persist, and only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, established by his office in 2015, would have the authority to recognize his future reincarnation.
Rijiju's comments followed China's rejection of the Nobel Peace laureate's succession plan, insisting that any future heir must receive approval from the Chinese government.
Rijiju, who practices Buddhism, along with fellow Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, is representing the Indian government at the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6.
The minister clarified that the birthday celebration is a religious event and is not politically motivated.
Mao reiterated China's position that the reincarnation of both the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, must adhere to strict religious rituals and historical practices, including a domestic search, lots drawn from a 'golden urn', and approval from the central government.
She noted that the current 14th Dalai Lama underwent this process and received approval from the then-central government.
Mao stated that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must respect these principles and comply with religious rituals, historical conventions, and Chinese laws and regulations.
Her remarks regarding the improvement of relations refer to the ongoing efforts by both India and China to normalize ties after a prolonged period of tension following the Eastern Ladakh standoff.
Relations between the two nations began to thaw after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, last year, which was followed by several high-level discussions.
The recent resumption of the Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims is seen as an initial step taken by both countries to restore normal relations.