The relationship between India and China continues to face complexities, with the "Tibet issue" remaining a significant point of contention. Ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to China for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave, a Chinese embassy spokesperson stated that issues related to Tibet, particularly the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, are a "thorn" in bilateral relations and a "burden" for India.

China refers to Tibet as "Xizang" and insists that the "Xizang-related issue is a thorn in China-India relations and has become a burden for India". The spokesperson further added that "playing the 'Xizang card' will definitely end up shooting oneself in the foot". This statement underscores China's firm stance on the matter, emphasizing that it considers the Dalai Lama's succession as an internal affair. They also reject any external interference.

The Dalai Lama, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, has asserted that a trust of Tibetan Buddhists should have the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation. This declaration has sparked strong reactions from China, which maintains that the reincarnation process must be approved by the Chinese government.

India's official position, as stated by its Foreign Ministry, is that it doesn't take any position on matters concerning the beliefs and practices of faith and religion. However, China has voiced strong objections to recent remarks from Indian figures regarding Tibet and the Dalai Lama's reincarnation. Yu Jing, a Chinese embassy spokesperson, noted that members of strategic and academic communities, including former officials, had made “improper remarks” regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama “contrary” to the Indian government's public stance.

Jaishankar's visit to China is scheduled for July 14 and 15, where he will attend the SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting and hold bilateral talks with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. This visit marks one of the highest-level interactions between the two countries since the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh, which severely strained relations.

In recent months, India and China have taken steps to repair their relationship, including completing the disengagement of troops from face-off sites. However, the differing views on Tibet and the Dalai Lama's succession continue to be a major obstacle. The Dalai Lama angered China again by saying it had no role in his succession. Tibetans believe the soul of any senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated after his death, but China says the succession will also have to be approved by its leaders.