New Delhi: For the second time, China has issued a strong warning against any foreign involvement in the succession of the Dalai Lama, reiterating that the reincarnation process is strictly an internal matter and must take place within Tibet.

The latest remarks came from Chinese ambassador to India Xu Feihong, who posted a statement on social media late on Sunday. Earlier that day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, calling him an “enduring symbol of love”.

“It has been noted that some Indian official recently made some remarks regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama,” Xu wrote, in an apparent reference to minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju’s recent comments backing the Tibetan leader’s right to choose his successor.

Reiterating Beijing’s position, Xu said the Chinese government “opposes any attempts by overseas organizations or individuals to interfere in or dictate the reincarnation process.” He asserted that “Xizang is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” and said Tibetan Buddhism “traces its origins to China’s Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,” with its principal centres of practice located within China. “The lineage of the Dalai Lamas,” he added, “took shape and evolved within China's Tibet region.”

Xu also underlined that the authority to recognise religious figures lies solely with the Chinese state. “The conferment of their religious status and titles is the prerogative of the central government of China,” he said. “The reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama is inherently an internal affair of China.”

He concluded by reaffirming Beijing’s control over religious institutions, stating that “the Chinese government upholds the principle of independence and self-governance in religious affairs and administers the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, including that of the Dalai Lama, in accordance with the law. No interference by any external forces will be allowed.”

Rijiju

Rijiju had first spoken on July 4, a day after the Dalai Lama released a video message from Dharamshala outlining his long-awaited succession plan. “I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,” the spiritual leader said in Tibetan. “I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation. No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.”

Kiren Rijiju said on July 3 that “nobody else has the right to decide” on the succession besides the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader.

Ambassador Xu had responded the same day, stating that the next Dalai Lama must be selected through the “Golden Urn lottery procedure.”

Ambassador Xu had first posted on July 3, writing that the next Dalai Lama must be selected through what Beijing calls the “Golden Urn lottery procedure”. While he noted that the current Dalai Lama was exempted from the ritual, Xu said the successor “must follow the process that consists of search and identification in China, lot-drawing from the Golden Urn” and must receive “central government approval”.

The Chinese foreign ministry weighed in the next day, with spokesperson Mao Ning issuing a sharper response. “India should exercise caution in its words and actions, stop interfering in China’s internal affairs with Xizang-related issues, and avoid impact on the improvement and development of the China-India relationship,” she said at a regular press briefing on July 5.

Later that day, Rijiju clarified that his remarks were made in a personal capacity. “I spoke as a follower and a devotee,” he said.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs also distanced itself from the remarks. “We have seen reports relating to the statement made by His Holiness the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on July 5. “Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.”

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