As India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar prepares for his first visit to China since the deadly border clashes of 2020, Beijing has asserted that issues related to Tibet, including the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, remain a "thorn" in China-India relations and a "burden" for India. China considers the matter of the Dalai Lama's succession as an internal affair, rejecting any external interference.
The Chinese embassy in New Delhi conveyed this message, stating that some members of the Indian strategic and academic communities have made "improper remarks" on the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, which is contrary to the Indian government's official stance. A spokesperson for the embassy, Yu Jing, emphasized that the "Xizang-related issue is a thorn in China-India relations and has become a burden for India," and that "playing the 'Xizang card' will definitely end up shooting oneself in the foot". "Xizang" is the Chinese term for Tibet.
This development occurs against the backdrop of improving relations between the two countries after a period of tension. Jaishankar's visit to China includes attending a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Tianjin and holding bilateral meetings. The visit aims to address various issues, including rare earth supplies to India, the Dalai Lama's succession, and the resumption of direct flights.
China's position on the Dalai Lama's succession is that it must adhere to Chinese law and tradition, including approval by Chinese leaders. Beijing views the Dalai Lama as a "political exile" engaged in separatist activities under the guise of religion. In contrast, the Dalai Lama and his supporters maintain that the reincarnation should be determined by the Dalai Lama himself and his established institutions. The Dalai Lama has stated that his successor will be born in a "free world," a notion that China rejects.
India's official policy recognizes the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China since 1954. However, India has also provided refuge to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees since 1959, when the Dalai Lama fled Tibet following a failed uprising. This has been a long-standing point of contention between the two nations. India has maintained that the Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader and that the Tibetan community in India is not allowed to engage in political activities.
The Dalai Lama's presence in India is seen by some as leverage for New Delhi against China. However, some analysts suggest that using the "Tibet card" tactically is counterproductive and that India should avoid using Tibet-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs. India's nuanced position involves balancing its relationship with China with its support for the Tibetan cause.
China's concerns extend to the selection of the next Panchen Lama, the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism. In 1995, Chinese officials detained the Dalai Lama's choice for the Panchen Lama and installed their own. This demonstrates China's desire to control the succession process and ensure that the next Dalai Lama is loyal to the Chinese Communist Party.
As Jaishankar's visit approaches, the spotlight is on whether the two countries can navigate these sensitive issues and maintain the progress made in normalizing relations. The differing views on Tibet and the Dalai Lama's succession remain significant obstacles in the complex relationship between India and China.
