<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="false"><li>China considers the succession of the Dalai Lama as a contentious issue affecting relations with India.</li><li>Tibetan Buddhists believe in reincarnation after a senior monk's death, but China asserts the Dalai Lama's succession approval is necessary.</li><li>The Dalai Lama living in exile in India since 1959 gives leverage to India against China; India is also home to many Tibetans and a Tibetan government-in-exile.</li><li>Indian ministers and analysts have supported the Dalai Lama's stance on his succession, with India's foreign minister set to visit China for talks amid strained relations.</li></ul>

China says Dalai Lama succession issue a 'thorn' in relations with India

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