China Slams Modi for Wishing Dalai Lama on His Birthday, Says India Should Respect Its Stance on Tibet

 China Slams Modi for Wishing Dalai Lama on His Birthday, Says India Should Respect Its Stance on Tibet

China has formally objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama, describing it as a breach of diplomatic understanding on what it considers a highly sensitive issue. Beijing also criticized Indian ministers who took part in celebrations marking the Tibetan spiritual leader’s 90th birthday.

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made a sharp statement during a press briefing. She referred to the Dalai Lama as “a political exile” who, according to Beijing, has consistently engaged in “separatist activities” aimed at splitting Tibet — which China refers to as "Xizang" — from the Chinese mainland under the guise of religion.

“The 14th Dalai Lama is a political exile who has long been involved in anti-China separatist activities,” Mao said. “He aims to break away Xizang from China by using religion as a cover.”

Beijing sees any form of official contact between foreign leaders and the Dalai Lama as interference in its internal affairs. Mao reminded India that it had previously acknowledged Tibet as part of China and urged New Delhi to stick to that position.

“India needs to clearly understand the sensitivity of matters related to Xizang,” she added. “We urge India to recognize the true nature of the Dalai Lama’s activities, respect the political commitments it has made to China, and avoid using Tibetan-related issues to meddle in China’s domestic matters.”

The comments came after Prime Minister Modi publicly extended birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama — a move that India views as consistent with its long-standing position. Modi has sent similar greetings in previous years, citing personal respect and cultural ties. The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, is considered by many in India and around the world as a symbol of peace, compassion, and nonviolence.

However, for China, the issue is deeply political. The Dalai Lama is seen not only as a religious leader but also as a figurehead for Tibetan autonomy. His global influence and popularity have long been a sore point for Beijing.

The latest protest adds to the already strained relationship between India and China. Tensions have remained high since the 2020 border standoff in eastern Ladakh, and while there have been multiple rounds of talks, mistrust between the two neighbors lingers.

India has not officially responded to this particular protest, but it has repeatedly stated that extending greetings to the Dalai Lama or hosting him is not meant to challenge China's sovereignty. Indian officials argue that he is a revered spiritual leader and not a political figure for the Indian government.

Despite China’s protest, support for the Dalai Lama remains strong in many parts of India, particularly in the Himalayan regions where Tibetan culture is deeply rooted. The Indian public and civil society groups continue to back the Tibetan cause, even as official ties with Beijing remain complicated.

As India walks the tightrope between standing by its principles and managing a complex diplomatic relationship with China, the Dalai Lama remains a powerful — and polarizing — symbol on both sides of the border.