China Urges "Stop Interfering in Internal Affairs" Over US Secretary of State and Dalai Lama Meeting

Tony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State [Photo by AP News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] China criticized U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken, who is visiting India, for meeting with a delegation from the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, calling it interference in internal affairs.

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 29th, "The Tibet issue is entirely China's internal affair, and no external forces' interference will be tolerated," adding, "China firmly opposes any politician from any country officially contacting the Dalai Lama."

Spokesperson Zhao pointed out, "The United States' contact with the Dalai Lama's delegation violates the promise to recognize Tibet as part of China and not to support Tibetan independence." He continued, "The U.S. should stop interfering in China's internal affairs by using the Tibet issue and cease supporting Tibetan independence forces," emphasizing, "China will protect our rights and interests through all necessary measures."

The U.S. State Department spokesperson reported that Secretary Blinken met with Ngodup Dongchung, representative of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, in New Delhi, India, the previous day. Foreign media evaluated this meeting as the most significant contact since former President Barack Obama met the Dalai Lama in Washington DC in 2016.