China warns India against Dalai Lama succession interference

China reiterated that the issue of the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is an internal matter and warned against external interference on Sunday, May 24.Chinese Embassy in India spokesperson Yu Jing said the reincarnation process follows “long-established religious rituals and historical conventions” that require approval from China’s central government. She added that even the 14th Dalai Lama was recognised through this system.

The Dalai Lama and Tibetans in exile disagree. The spiritual leader of the Tibetan people made clear on his 90th birthday in July last year that the sole authority to identify the next Dalai Lama lies with his non-profit organisation, Gaden Phodrang Trust.
She also said the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is not recognised by any sovereign state and lacks legitimacy to represent Tibetans or comment on succession matters.Also Read: Trump says Iran deal ‘largely negotiated’ after talks with Gulf leaders, Netanyahu; crude falls 7%

Yu urged India to honour its commitments on Tibet-related issues, avoid supporting “Tibetan independence” activities, and refrain from interfering in the reincarnation process, saying such steps would contribute to stable bilateral ties.

The remarks come ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected Sikyong or head of the CTA, Penpa Tsering, scheduled for May 27 in Dharamshala. The Dalai Lama will take part in the ceremony.

The CTA, based in Dharamshala, operates as the Tibetan government-in-exile and is not recognised by China, which considers Tibet an integral part of its territory. The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.