Beijing has criticized the Dalai Lama’s first Grammy win, describing the award for his audiobook, “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”, as “a tool for anti-China political manipulation.”
The Tibetan spiritual leader, who has lived in exile in India since 1959, received the award on Sunday for audiobook narration and storytelling. In a statement, he expressed gratitude, calling it “a recognition of our shared universal responsibility.”
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, said the Dalai Lama “is not merely a religious figure but a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.” He added, “We firmly oppose the relevant party using the award as a tool for anti-China political manipulation.”
The controversy also highlights the ongoing dispute over the Dalai Lama’s successor. Tibetan Buddhists believe the next Dalai Lama is a reincarnation, while China insists the next spiritual leader will be born in Tibet and recognized by the Communist Party. The Dalai Lama has stated his successor will be chosen in a free country, without Chinese interference.