‘Political maneuvering’: China slams Grammy award on Dalai Lama

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Monday criticized the Grammy award granted to the Dalai Lama, describing it as a “political tool” aimed at Beijing.

“As is widely known, the 14th Dalai is not a pure religious personnel; rather he is a political exile committed to anti-China separatist activities under the disguise of religion,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

“We firmly oppose relevant sides to use the award as a tool for anti-China political maneuvering,” said Lin. “Such stance has been consistent and clear.”

Born Tenzin Gyatso, the 90-year-old Dalai Lama was announced as a Grammy winner on Sunday in the audio book, narration and storytelling category for “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.”

The Buddhist spiritual leader, known as the 14th Dalai Lama, has also been linked to past controversies, including an incident in 2023 in which he asked one of his students to “suck my tongue,” prompting widespread public backlash.

China took control of Tibet in 1951, describing the move as a “peaceful liberation.”

Following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala in northern India, where he later established a Tibetan parliament and government-in-exile.

Beijing does not recognize this administration, asserting that Tibet has been part of China since the 13th century. The Dalai Lama, however, maintains that Tibet was an independent state at the time the Chinese People’s Liberation Army entered the region.