'The issue related to Tibet has become a thorn in the relationship', China's harsh words before Jaishankar's visit
SCO: Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to China is taking place at a time when relations between India and China are gradually becoming normal. But China's sharp remarks on issues like Tibet and the Dalai Lama show that the differences between the two countries on some important issues are still deep.
On the eve of the visit of India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to China, the Chinese Embassy has termed the Tibet issue as a thorn in India-China relations and stated that it has become India's burden. Jaishankar is flying to China to participate in the conference of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on July 14 and 15. This is his initial visit to China after the India-China military standoff in Ladakh in 2020.
Rebuking Indian strategic analysts and former authorities in Beijing, Chinese embassy spokesman YuJing stated that certain Indian specialists have issued inappropriate remarks regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, contrary to the public position of the Indian government.
In a social media post, she said, "They should understand that issues related to Tibet are internal matters of China and external interference will not be tolerated. The selection of the Dalai Lama's successor is an internal matter of China."
Recently, the Dalai Lama had said that only a trusted body of Tibetan Buddhists will have the right to identify his future reincarnation. China reacted sharply to this and said that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama will take place only with the permission of the Chinese government. China calls Tibet Xizang and considers any international interference against its sovereignty.
The Chinese spokesperson said, "The Tibet (Xizang) issue is a thorn in India-China relations, and it has become a burden for India. If India plays the Tibet card, it will harm itself."
Jaishankar's visit is taking place at a time when both countries have started efforts to improve relations after withdrawing troops from some disputed areas of eastern Ladakh. During this, he is also likely to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Last month, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also participated in the SCO Defense Ministers' meeting in the Chinese city of Qingdao. Earlier, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had also visited China twice.
