Dalai Lama's reincarnation our internal affair, says China

NEW DELHI: The recent tensions over the Dalai Lama 's announcement that China will have no role in his reincarnation seemed set to intensify with the Chinese ambassador to India, Xu Feihong , rejecting his statement and also the support expressed by Union minister Kiren Rijiju for the Tibetan spiritual leader 's decision.

While Rijiju had clarified that he had spoken in his personal capacity as a devotee, Xu said in a post Sunday that "no interference by any external forces will be allowed". The Indian govt had said in response that India takes no position on issues of faith and religion.

"It has been noted that some Indian official recently made some remarks regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama," said Xu on X. "Chinese govt opposes any attempts by overseas organisations or individuals to interfere in or dictate the reincarnation process. Xizang (Tibet) is an inalienable part of China's territory."

Xu said the Dalai Lama will have no role in his reincarnation. "The conferment of their religious status and titles is the prerogative of the central govt of China. The reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama is inherently an internal affair of China."