China on Thursday reaffirmed its position that the succession of the Dalai Lama is a matter of internal governance and religious administration that falls exclusively under the authority of the Chinese government. The statement came amid renewed discussions surrounding the future reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama and the broader Tibet issue, with Beijing urging other countries, including India, to refrain from actions it believes could affect bilateral relations.

Responding to debates over Tibet's political future, Chinese Embassy spokesperson in India, Yu Jing, criticized the "Middle Way Approach" promoted by the Tibetan leadership. According to the spokesperson, the proposal seeks to establish a so-called "Greater Tibetan Region," a concept that Beijing argues lacks historical legitimacy. Chinese authorities maintained that such initiatives amount to attempts to advance Tibetan independence under a different framework.

China reiterated that it would not tolerate any activity aimed at dividing the country or undermining national unity. The government emphasized that while discussions about autonomy and cultural preservation continue internationally, Beijing remains firmly opposed to any movement it perceives as encouraging separatism. Officials stressed that safeguarding territorial integrity remains a core national priority.

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Addressing the question of the Dalai Lama's successor, the spokesperson stated that the title and status of the Dalai Lama have historically been approved and recognized by China's central authorities. Beijing noted that the current, 14th Dalai Lama was formally approved by the then Government of the Republic of China, arguing that this reflects a longstanding historical tradition of state involvement in the recognition process.

The statement also rejected suggestions that the current Dalai Lama could independently determine or identify his own successor. Chinese authorities argued that there is no historical precedent for a Dalai Lama personally recognizing a reincarnation without following established procedures. Beijing maintained that any future reincarnation must comply with Chinese laws, religious customs, and historical traditions, and that the process must take place within Chinese territory.

China further called on India to remain mindful of the sensitivity of the Tibet issue and to honor commitments related to bilateral relations. The embassy warned against actions that could negatively impact the broader trajectory of ties between the two Asian neighbors. The remarks underscore the continuing significance of Tibet and the Dalai Lama's succession as key issues in China's diplomatic and domestic policy agenda.

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