China Rebukes U.S. Over Tibet Remarks, Rejects Dalai Lama’s Authority on Succession

China has condemned the United States in strong terms following comments by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama, asserting Washington is "in no position" to comment on Tibet-related matters. Beijing criticized the Dalai Lama as a political exile carrying out separatist actions in the guise of religion and once again asserted he has no legitimate right to represent the Tibetan people or determine the fate of the region.

Rubio praised the Dalai Lama's message of peace and compassion and assured U.S. assistance in maintaining Tibet's religious and cultural identity. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reacted by urging the U.S. to recognize the "sensitivity" of Tibet issues and desist from sending "wrong signals" to pro-independence forces.

The dispute was reignited when the Dalai Lama reaffirmed that his reincarnation would be determined by the Gaden Phodrang Trust and not the Chinese government. Beijing insists it has the right to approve the next Dalai Lama according to tradition.

China also criticized recent U.S. bills in support of Tibetan autonomy and Rubio's call for the release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Dalai Lama-recognized Panchen Lama who has been missing since 1995. Beijing has its own candidate, Gyaltsen Norbu, as the rightful Panchen Lama.

The escalating rhetoric underscores the growing divide between the U.S. and China on religious freedom, human rights, and sovereignty in Tibet.