Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists gather in Dharamshala, India, to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. On Sunday, red-robed monks, nuns, and followers braved rain to reach the main temple,

China protested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday at the celebrations in Dharamshala.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters that the country's position on Tibet is consistent and well-known. Mao further stated that the Dalai Lama is a political exile and alleged that he has been involved in efforts to separate Xizang -- also known as Tibet outside China -- under the guise of religion.