Chinese authorities have strongly condemned the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, after he won a Grammy Award in the audiobook category. The Chinese government stated that the artistic award is being used as a political tool to attack China and reiterated its refusal to recognize the designation of Tibetan leadership successors abroad.
The Chinese government expressed significant dissatisfaction with the latest Grammy Award announcement after the Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader of Tibet, received the Grammy for Audiobook for his work titled "Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama." China declared its opposition to using artistic awards as "political manipulation against China."
Liu Jian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "We firmly oppose the parties involved who use artistic awards as instruments to conduct political activities against China. Our stance on this matter has been clear and consistent."
Meanwhile, the 90-year-old Dalai Lama, currently living in exile in Dharamshala, India, posted on social media expressing his gratitude and humility in accepting the award. He added, "I do not view this award as a personal matter but as recognition of our shared responsibility to the global community." At the award ceremony, artist Rufus Wainwright, who co-created the work, accepted the award on his behalf.
This tension arises amid escalating strains between the Dalai Lama and China, particularly regarding the issue of his succession. The Dalai Lama has stated that his successor will be chosen in a "free world," referring to locations outside communist China, which does not believe in gods, deities, or sacred entities.
However, the Chinese government insists that succession must comply with Chinese law. They claim they must approve the selection of all senior lamas based on beliefs in reincarnation, including the Dalai Lama, and that such appointments must ultimately receive China's government approval only.
The Dalai Lama has been in exile since 1959 after China sent forces to suppress a Tibetan uprising. China regards the Dalai Lama as a rebel and separatist, while Tibetan exiles fear China is attempting to interfere in appointing a new leader to tighten its control over Tibet, which it has occupied since 1950.
/BBC