China condemns grammy award to Dalai Lama as political message

China on Monday rejected the Grammy award presented to the Dalai Lama, accusing Western institutions of turning cultural platforms into tools for political pressure and placing the issue within the broader China–Tibet dispute that continues to shape Beijing’s foreign policy narrative.

Beijing’s official response

Addressing reporters in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the 14th Dalai Lama should not be viewed solely as a religious figure. “As is widely known, the 14th Dalai is not a pure religious person, but a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cover of religion,” Lin said, adding that China firmly opposes using international awards for “anti-China political maneuvering.”

Grammy award sparks criticism

The comments followed the announcement that Tenzin Gyatso, now 90, won a Grammy in the audiobook, narration and storytelling category for “Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness The Dalai Lama.” Beijing argued that honoring him overlooks his political role and sends what it views as a misleading signal on the Tibet issue. Chinese officials said their position on the Dalai Lama and Tibet has remained “consistent and clear” for decades.

Historical background and ongoing dispute

China asserts that Tibet has been part of Chinese territory since the 13th century and describes the People’s Liberation Army’s entry into the region in 1951 as a “peaceful liberation.” After a failed uprising in 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to Dharamsala in northern India, where he later helped establish a government-in-exile that Beijing does not recognize. While the Dalai Lama maintains Tibet was independent at the time, China rejects this claim. From Türkiye’s perspective, officials and analysts have often emphasized respect for state sovereignty and cautioned against the politicization of culture and religion in international affairs.