Is China upset with US over meeting with Dalai Lama in India?

A group of US lawmakers met the Dalai Lama, the exiled spiritual leader of Tibet on Wednesday and it seems that Beijing was displeased with the meeting as on Tuesday it urged the US to "refrain from any form of contact with the Dalai clique" and "fully recognise the anti-China and separatist nature of it."

It is worth noting that the bipartisan seven-member group of American lawmakers are visiting India to meet the Nobel peace laureate, the Dalai Lama and the United States has always supported the rights of the Tibetan people to practice the religion and culture.

The US has extended support for Tibet and promoted dialogue between the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama toward a peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute between Tibet and China.

HHDL holding a copy of The Resolve Tibet Act, a bipartisan bill to enhance US support for Tibet and promote dialogue between the People's Republic of China and the Dalai Lama toward a peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute between Tibet and China, presented to him… pic.twitter.com/B5uIBjj9hd

— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) June 19, 2024

However, it is anticipated that China will be upset by US lawmakers meeting with the Dalai Lama in India for several reasons, rooted in both historical and contemporary political contexts:

Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: China considers Tibet to be an integral part of its territory. The Chinese government views the Dalai Lama, who is based in India, as a separatist figure seeking Tibetan independence. When US lawmakers meet with the Dalai Lama, China perceives it as an implicit endorsement of Tibetan independence or, at the very least, as interference in China's internal affairs.

International Diplomacy and Influence: China is sensitive to international interactions with the Dalai Lama because it fears these meetings lend him legitimacy on the global stage. By engaging with him, US lawmakers are seen as supporting his cause, which could encourage other countries to do the same, thereby challenging China's narrative and diplomatic efforts regarding Tibet.

Bilateral Relations: Such meetings strain US-China relations. China expects countries, especially major powers like the United States, to adhere to its "One China Policy," which includes recognizing Tibet as part of China. Meetings between US officials and the Dalai Lama are viewed as violations of this policy, potentially leading to diplomatic repercussions.

Domestic Stability and Control: The Chinese government is keen on maintaining stability and control over Tibet. International support for the Dalai Lama is seen as a threat to this stability. By expressing its displeasure, China aims to deter other countries from engaging with the Dalai Lama, thereby minimizing the potential for internal unrest or challenges to its authority in Tibet.

Geopolitical Context with India: The fact that the meeting took place in India adds another layer of complexity. China and India have a contentious relationship, particularly over border disputes and strategic rivalries. The presence of the Dalai Lama in India and his interactions with international figures can be seen by China as India leveraging the Tibet issue to counter Chinese influence.

In summary, China’s upset over US lawmakers meeting with the Dalai Lama in India is a confluence of concerns about sovereignty, diplomatic influence, bilateral relations, domestic stability, and regional geopolitics.