China Calls Dalai Lama Succession Issue 'Thorn' in Relations

Published JUL 15 2025

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Above: The Tibetan Community in the Netherlands celebrates the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday in the center of Amsterdam, Netherlands, on July 6, 2025. Image credit: Romy Arroyo Fernandez/NurPhoto/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-India narrative

India must support Tibet as Beijing's Achilles' heel, not appease authoritarian sensibilities. China's brutal occupation created this "thorn" — not India's righteous support for Tibetan freedom. With Beijing viewing Tibet as its "palm" and Indian territories as mere "fingers," New Delhi must now transition to a more aggressive posture to assert itself, and Tibet, in the region.

ThePrint Tibetan Review

Pro-China narrative

India must stop meddling in Tibet, a region historically and rightfully under the orbit of China. Continued interference only prolongs mistrust, fans conflict, and sabotages peace. Hosting separatists and provoking tensions — whether through rhetoric or covert action — undermines India's own credibility. True statesmanship lies in respecting China's sovereignty and engaging in diplomacy, not fueling border crises through outdated colonial claims.

CGTN XINHUA