China’s Message To India After Kiren Rijiju Backs Dalai Lama On Succession Plans

New Delhi:

China has asked India to act cautiously on Tibet-related issues, while objecting to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s remarks that the incarnation of the Dalai Lama should follow his wishes.

The Minority Affairs Minister on Thursday said that only the Dalai Lama and the organisation he has set up have the authority to identify his successor as the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, in a comment contradicting China’s long-held position. In response, China has asked India to exercise caution in its words and actions to avoid any adverse impact on the improvement of bilateral relations.

The Ministry of External Affairs, contradicting Mr Rijiju’s stand, has said that the Indian government “doesn’t take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion”.

“The government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so,” the foreign ministry said.

Earlier today, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reacted to Mr Rijiju’s comments and said, “India should be clear of the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th