China said 'India should stay away from Tibet', criticizing PM Modi like this

 India should stop using issues related to Tibet while refraining from interfering in China's internal affairs. - Chinese Spokesperson

BEIJING:

China on Thursday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wishing Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 87th birthday, saying India should not be bothered about China's internal affairs. Avoiding interfering in the issues related to Tibet should be stopped. On Wednesday, Modi had congratulated the Dalai Lama over the phone on turning 87. Prime Minister Modi tweeted on Wednesday

'Talked to the Dalai Lama on the phone and wished him a happy 87th birthday. We wish him a long life and good health.” The Prime Minister had also wished the Dalai Lama on his birthday last year. The Dalai Lama's followers celebrated his birthday in Dharamsala where the Dalai Lama lives in exile.

"The Indian side must fully recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said in a press conference, responding to a question on Modi's wishes.

"We must abide by our commitment to China, speak and act wisely, and stop using Tibet-related issues to interfere in China's internal affairs," Zhao said.

Zhao also criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for congratulating the Dalai Lama. Blinken said in his message that the US will continue to support efforts to preserve the distinctive linguistic, religious and cultural traditions of the Tibetan community, including their ability to freely choose their own religious leaders.