Wednesday 5 April 2017

What Ensued Between India and China Following the Dalai Lama's Visit

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrives to deliver teachings in Bomdila, in Arunachal Pradesh.
Source: PTI


Just as The Dalai Lama sealed a day of his visit in Arunanchal Pradesh, officials of the Chinese government have outspokenly put forward their disconcert over the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit, warning India of "necessary measures" to defend their territorial sovereignty and interests.  

Here's the dialogue that  ensued between China and India regarding the matter:

Speaking to reporters, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying stated this:

India, in disregard to China’s concerns, obstinately arranged the Dalai Lama’s visit to the disputed part of the eastern part of the China-India border, causing serious damage to China’s interests and China-India relations. 

China firmly opposes this move and will lodge representations with the Indian side.

China’s stand on the eastern part of the borders is consistent and clear. India is keenly aware of the role played by the 14th Dalai Lama. Arranging his visit to those sensitive and disputed areas not only runs counter to the Indian side’s commitment to the issues related to Tibet but also escalate disputes over the border area.

It goes against the momentum of the sound growth of bilateral relations and will not benefit India in anyway.

China will firmly take necessary measures to defend its territorial sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests. We demand the Indian side immediately stop its actions using the Dalai Lama to undermine China’s interests and not hype up sensitive issues between the two countries, not artificially damage the foundation of the talks between the two countries on the border issues and bilateral legislation and take concrete actions to safeguard the China-India relations.


In response to these statements from China, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju had this to say:

When India has never interfered in Beijing’s affairs, and has respected the “One China” policy, China should not interfere in India’s internal affairs or object to the Dalai Lama’s visit. .
There is no political angle behind his holiness’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh. It is completely religious.  No “artificial controversy” should be created about the visit.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, however, rejected the claims put forward by Mr. Rijiju, quoting this:

China upholds the policy of not interfering with other countries internal affairs. This is unquestionable.But in disregard to China’s concerns, India arranged the visit of Dalai Lama to the disputed areas. This issue goes beyond internal affairs. The role played by the Dalai Lama is clear to all. China’s position on the eastern section of the boundary is also very clear.

The arrangement of Dalai’s visit to the disputed area by India runs counter to its commitments on issues related to Tibet and it runs counter to benefits of bilateral relations. We demand that India stop this wrong action.

We have noted the statement of the official from the Indian side.

Could you tell me honestly do you seriously believe that Dalai is only a religious leader? I think the answer is known to all. He is not just a religious figure. Therefore, his visit to the place will not be purely of religious purpose. So using the empty words to defend this arrangement is not reasonable. We demand the Indian side to stop this move of undermining Chinese interests.


It is to be noted that on March 30, 1959, the Dalai Lama and 20 of his guards escaped China and entered India through Kinzmane. He was then brought to Tawang where he was accorded a grand welcome before being finally taken to Dharamshala, the capital of Tibet's government-in-exile.

Three years later, the Chinese decided to attack India through the same area. China claims Arunachal Pradesh to be part of south Tibet. This week, the Dalai Lama is back at Tawang on a religious tour.