New Delhi: The Chinese embassy has labeled Tibet-related matters, particularly the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, as a significant obstacle in India-China relations, describing it as a 'burden' for New Delhi.
These comments were made just before External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's upcoming trip to China for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting.
This visit marks Jaishankar's first trip to China since the bilateral relationship deteriorated following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in 2020.
In recent months, both nations have taken steps to mend their ties after troops disengaged from the last two confrontation sites in October of the previous year.
Earlier this month, the Dalai Lama stated that a trust of Tibetan Buddhists would have exclusive rights to recognize his future reincarnation.
China responded with anger, asserting that the government should approve his reincarnation.
In a social media statement, Yu Jing, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy, criticized former officials and members of the strategic community for making 'improper remarks' about the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, which contradicts the Indian government's official position.
"They must understand the sensitivity surrounding Xizang issues, as the reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama are internal matters for China, free from external interference," Yu emphasized.
China refers to Tibet as 'Xizang'.
"In truth, Xizang-related issues are a thorn in the side of China-India relations and have become a burden for India. Using the 'Xizang card' will ultimately backfire," the spokesperson added.
Jaishankar's visit is scheduled for July 14 and 15, during which he will attend the SCO foreign ministers' meeting.
He is anticipated to engage in bilateral discussions with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on the sidelines of the conclave.
In December, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visited Beijing for a Special Representatives dialogue regarding boundary issues with Wang.
Doval also traveled to China last month for a meeting of top security officials from SCO member nations.
Jaishankar's trip follows Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's recent visit to Qingdao for the SCO defence ministers' conference.
China currently holds the chairmanship of the SCO and is hosting the group's meetings.
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