Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday reiterated Beijing’s firm opposition, labelling the Dalai Lama as a “political exile” who has long engaged in separatist activities under the guise of religion.

“India should fully appreciate the great sensitivity of Xizang-related issues and honour the commitments it has made to China,” Mao said, using the Chinese name for Tibet. She further urged New Delhi to act prudently and refrain from interfering in China’s internal affairs.

Prime Minister Modi had extended warm wishes to the Dalai Lama on Sunday via social media, praising him as a symbol of compassion and moral discipline. “We pray for his continued good health and long life,” Modi wrote on X.

Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Sikkim minister Sonam Lama, also attended the birthday celebrations.

Last week, China had already expressed displeasure over Rijiju’s remarks that the decision on the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation rests solely with the Tibetan Buddhist community and its established institutions.

Beijing insists that the process must comply with religious rituals and historical customs recognized by Chinese law, including the use of the traditional "golden urn" and central government approval.

The Dalai Lama recently reaffirmed that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the authority to determine his successor, challenging China’s claim of oversight.

With bilateral ties already under strain, Beijing’s sharp response signals continuing friction over the Tibet issue, viewed by China as a core national interest.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday reiterated Beijing’s firm opposition, labelling the Dalai Lama as a “political exile” who has long engaged in separatist activities under the guise of religion.

“India should fully appreciate the great sensitivity of Xizang-related issues and honour the commitments it has made to China,” Mao said, using the Chinese name for Tibet. She further urged New Delhi to act prudently and refrain from interfering in China’s internal affairs.

Prime Minister Modi had extended warm wishes to the Dalai Lama on Sunday via social media, praising him as a symbol of compassion and moral discipline. “We pray for his continued good health and long life,” Modi wrote on X.

Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Sikkim minister Sonam Lama, also attended the birthday celebrations.

Last week, China had already expressed displeasure over Rijiju’s remarks that the decision on the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation rests solely with the Tibetan Buddhist community and its established institutions.

Beijing insists that the process must comply with religious rituals and historical customs recognized by Chinese law, including the use of the traditional "golden urn" and central government approval.

The Dalai Lama recently reaffirmed that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the authority to determine his successor, challenging China’s claim of oversight.

With bilateral ties already under strain, Beijing’s sharp response signals continuing friction over the Tibet issue, viewed by China as a core national interest.