Jaishankar China Visit: Tibet, Dalai Lama Issue Casts Shadow Over S. Jaishankar’s Upcoming Visit to China

As External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar prepares for his first visit to China since the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, tensions surrounding the Tibet issue and the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation have resurfaced, threatening to overshadow efforts to stabilise bilateral ties.

China’s embassy in India, through its spokesperson Yu Jing, issued a strongly worded statement on Sunday, calling Tibet-related matters, particularly the succession of the Dalai Lama, a “thorn” in India-China relations and a “burden” for New Delhi.

Beijing Warns Against Interference in Dalai Lama Reincarnation

The remarks come days after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and other Indian leaders attended the Dalai Lama’s 89th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala. Ahead of his 90th birthday next year, the Tibetan spiritual leader declared that only a trust set up by him would have the authority to recognise his reincarnation — a statement that drew immediate criticism from China.

Beijing insists that any future Dalai Lama must be approved by the Chinese government, reaffirming its control over Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. Yu Jing warned that the “Xizang issue” (Tibet) is China’s internal affair and said foreign interference would be intolerable.

“In reality, Xizang-related issue is a thorn in China-India relations and has become a burden for India. Playing the ‘Xizang card’ will definitely end up shooting oneself in the foot,” Yu said in a post on social media.

Diplomatic Chill Amid Efforts to Reset Ties

Jaishankar’s trip comes at a critical juncture. While both sides agreed last October to resolve the LAC standoff in Ladakh, progress has been slow. This will be the first high-level diplomatic engagement since ties hit a historic low following the Galwan Valley conflict in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

Jaishankar is expected to raise issues of border disengagement, restoring full diplomatic and trade relations, and possibly initiate discussions on broader regional stability. However, China’s renewed assertiveness on Tibet and spiritual succession of the Dalai Lama may derail efforts to normalise ties.

The Tibet issue has long been a point of contention, with India hosting the Tibetan government-in-exile and the Dalai Lama since 1959. But recent public endorsements by Indian ministers and Beijing’s aggressive response suggest that Tibet could become a flashpoint once again, even as the two nuclear-armed neighbours attempt to de-escalate military tensions.