China Rebukes U.S. Over Dalai Lama Birthday Wishes, Warns Against “Wrong Signals” on Tibet

Tensions between Beijing and Washington escalated this week after the U.S. extended birthday greetings to the Dalai Lama, prompting a sharp response from China’s Foreign Ministry. Beijing accused the U.S. of meddling in its internal affairs and warned against sending “wrong signals” to pro-Tibet independence forces.

 

Key Highlights:

 

- The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. to stop interfering in China’s domestic matters and to respect its sovereignty over Tibet, which China refers to as Xizang.

 

- Spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the U.S. is “in no position to point fingers” at China and must be “fully cognizant of the sensitivities” surrounding Tibet-related issues.

 

- The remarks follow public birthday wishes extended to the Dalai Lama by U.S. officials and a recent visit by a U.S. congressional delegation to Dharamshala, India, where the Tibetan spiritual leader resides in exile.

 

- China reiterated its stance that the Dalai Lama is a political exile engaged in separatist activities under the guise of religion.

 

Geopolitical Context:

 

- Beijing views any official engagement with the Dalai Lama as a challenge to its territorial integrity and a violation of the One-China policy.

 

- The U.S. has maintained that it supports religious freedom and human rights in Tibet, while not officially recognizing Tibetan independence.

 

- China has also voiced strong opposition to the U.S. Tibet Policy and Support Act, which calls for dialogue between Beijing and Tibetan leaders.

 

Outlook: This diplomatic flare-up adds to the growing list of U.S.-China flashpoints, including Taiwan, trade, and the South China Sea. Analysts expect Beijing to continue pushing back against any perceived legitimization of the Dalai Lama’s political role.

 

Sources: ANI, South China Morning Post, Times of India, Indian Express, Firstpost