China Warns India Over Dalai Lama Succession Row, Says ‘Could Impact Ties’

China on Friday issued a stern warning to India over the contentious issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession, stating that New Delhi should “exercise caution” and avoid impacting the recent improvements in bilateral ties. The objection came in response to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks backing the Tibetan spiritual leader’s right to decide on his own reincarnation.

The sharp exchange has cast a shadow over the fragile process of normalizing India-China relations, which have been frozen for over four years following the military standoff in Eastern Ladakh.

During a press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said India should be clear about the “anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama” and honour its commitments on Tibet-related issues.

“India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs with Tibet-related issues and avoid impacting the improvement and development of the China-India relationship,” Mao stated.

The diplomatic friction was sparked after Rijiju, India’s Minority Affairs Minister, on Thursday asserted that the decision on the next Dalai Lama would be taken by the established institution and the Tibetan Buddhist leader himself, and not by any external power. This was seen as India’s first official backing of the Dalai Lama’s stance against Chinese interference.

Rijiju, who is set to represent the Indian government at the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on July 6, made the comments after the spiritual leader himself declared that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, founded by his office, would have the authority to recognise his future reincarnation.

China, which refers to Tibet as Xizang, has repeatedly claimed that any future heir must receive its official approval. Mao reiterated Beijing’s stand that the process must comply with Chinese laws and historical conventions, including a controversial method of drawing lots from a ‘golden urn’.

The timing of this flare-up is particularly sensitive, as it comes just after the two countries have taken steps to mend ties, including the recent resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Indian pilgrims.