Tibet issue an internal matter, Beijing warns Czech Republic

China has responded to a Czech Senate resolution on the succession of the Dalai Lama and support for the free choice of the Tibetan people, describing it as a gross interference in its internal affairs and expressing strong dissatisfaction with Prague.

According to China’s foreign ministry, Tibet is an integral part of the country and matters relating to its spiritual leadership fall solely within the remit of the Chinese authorities.

Tensions between the two countries are not new. Last year, a meeting between President Petr Pavel and the Dalai Lama prompted a reaction from Beijing, as did a visit by Czech MPs to the Tibetan government-in-exile.

China maintains that it has the final say in selecting the successor to the 14th Dalai Lama, a position at odds with that of the spiritual leader himself.

Beijing says the laws it has adopted are intended to promote national unity and stability, adding that the situation in Tibet is improving and the region is prospering.

(reuters, pir)