China expressed strong displeasure at the awarding of the Grammy to the Dalai Lama, calling it a tool of “anti-Chinese political manipulation”. The 90-year-old Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader received the award on Sunday for his book “Meditation: Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”
The Dalai Lama said he accepted the award with “gratitude and humility”. In a statement published on his website, he added that he saw the award as “recognition of our shared universal responsibility”.
The 90-year-old has remained in exile from Tibet since 1959 and is considered a rebel and separatist by Beijing.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said: “It is well known that the 14th Dalai Lama is not only a religious figure, but a political exile engaged in anti-Chinese separatist activities under the guise of religion.”
“We strongly oppose the relevant party using the award as a tool for anti-China political manipulation,” he added.
Life in exile and the autonomous attitude of Tibet
The spiritual leader has been based in Dharamsala, India since he fled China following a counter-insurgency crackdown by Chinese forces that threatened his safety. Over the years, he has pushed for greater autonomy for Tibet, a position Beijing rejects, insisting the region is an integral part of China.
The succession plan raises tensions
In 2025, the Dalai Lama reaffirmed his intention to name a successor, a move that further strained relations with China.
According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, the Dalai Lama is reborn after death, a sacred process rooted in spiritual tradition rather than political authority.
He has previously stated that his reincarnation will take place in the “free world”, i.e. outside of atheistic and communist China – a claim Beijing has flatly rejected.
Chinese officials say any succession must follow Chinese law, religious rituals and historical conventions and ultimately be approved by the central government in Beijing.