The Chinese Embassy to India on Sunday sent a strong message to New Delhi ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's visit to Beijing and said the succession issue of the Dalai Lama remains a 'thorn' in the relationship between the two neighbours.

Jaishankar is visiting China for the first time since soldiers from the two nations were engaged in a border clash in 2020.

China has expressed its anger over Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama's recent remarks on his 90th birthday on July 9, when he said only a trust set up by him can recognise his reincarnation.

Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju had endorsed his statement.

Beijing, however, said the next Dalai Lama would be endorsed by China.

In a strong message sent to India, Chinese Embassy spokesperson to India Yu Jing sent a strong message to India ahead of Jaishankar's visit over the recent remarks on Dalai Lama and wrote on X, " It has been noted some people from strategic and academic communities, including former officials, have made some improper remarks on the reincarnation of Dalai Lama, contrary to Indian government’s public stance."

She further said, "As professionals in foreign affairs, they should be fully cognizant of the sensitivity of issues related to Xizang, and that the reincarnation and succession of the Dalai Lama is inherently an internal affair of China, brooking no interference of any external forces."

In her strong words, she said: "In reality, Xizang-related issue is a thorn in China-India relations and has become a burden for India. Playing the “Xizang card” will definitely end up shooting oneself in the foot."

Jaishankar's China visit

Jaishankar will visit China on the second leg of his two-nation tour.

He will arrive in China after completing his Singapore trip.

He will attend the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (CFM) in China.

"EAM will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the CFM," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.