China Spends Millions on Buddhism to Expand Asian Influence, Worrying US
China is investing millions of dollars in Buddhism to strengthen its cultural influence across Asia, challenging India's traditional ties to the religion and raising concerns in Washington ahead of the Dalai Lama's succession.
China has allocated millions of dollars to promote Buddhism as part of a broader effort to expand its soft power in Asia, according to reports. The initiative directly challenges India's historical and cultural connection to the religion, which has long been a source of influence for New Delhi in the region.
The spending has drawn attention from US officials, who are increasingly concerned as the succession of the Dalai Lama approaches. The Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, is in his late 80s, and his eventual successor could alter the geopolitical dynamics involving China, India, and the Tibetan diaspora.
Beijing's push into Buddhist diplomacy comes amid ongoing tensions with India along their Himalayan border and efforts to counterbalance US alliances in the Indo-Pacific. The move signals China's intent to reshape religious and cultural narratives in its favor.
Source: First Squawk