As the Dalai Lama turns 90, he declares his successor will not be born in China—defying Beijing’s succession claims. China, which once called Tibetan Buddhism “poison,” insists it will approve any reincarnation.

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.