Amid tensions between China and US over tariffs, Beijing lashed out at Washington accusing it of backing Tibetan separatism after Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday.

China said on Monday it protested to India over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and the attendance of Indian officials at the celebrations, stressing New Delhi should fully appreciate Beijing’s sensitivities on Tibet-related issues.

The political and spiritual leader of the Tibetan community living in exile in India announced the plan for his succession during his week-long 90th birthday celebrations on Sunday. The announcement has sparked a ruthless battle for control between the Dalai Lama's inner circle and Beijing's top brass,