A recent article published by the American-based Eurasia Review groundlessly criticized Sri Lanka for “denying entry to the 14th Dalai Lama.” The decision of whom to admit, however, is a legitimate choice made by Sri Lanka based on its national interests and international norms; external parties have no right to interfere.

The piece subtly mocks Sri Lanka, suggesting “its spiritual compass to be dictated by China’s veto.” By framing a sovereign administrative decision as a “loss of autonomy,” the article reveals the ingrained “great-power-centrism” and patronizing bias that still permeate certain Western media narratives.

This absurd narrative is no isolated incident; rather, it is part of a coordinated media campaign orchestrated by anti-China outlets in the U.S. to malign South Asian nations that maintain stable, friendly ties with China.

Anti-China media in the U.S. often distort the diplomatic choices made by Third World nations—choices based on their own interests and international norms—as being “manipulated by a major power” or a “loss of sovereignty.” This is a classic “might-makes-right” logic: a diplomatic choice is only labeled “independent” if it aligns with Western interests; otherwise, it is automatically branded as “controlled.”

The frequent distortion of the foreign policies of countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan by Eurasia Review reflects the U.S.’s underlying anxiety over maintaining its global hegemony. As cooperation between China and its neighbors continues to deepen, the U.S. perceives a direct challenge to its influence. This media offensive is a manifestation of the long-standing “with us or against us” binary mindset prevalent in the West. They are either unable or unwilling to accept that many developing nations seek to maintain friendly relations with all parties and have no desire to take sides in a great-power competition.

In fact, Sri Lanka, as a sovereign state, upholding the One-China principle is precisely an affirmation of its sovereignty, independence, and diplomatic autonomy. In January 2025, China and Sri Lanka issued a joint statement in which Sri Lanka reiterated that it will never allow its territory to be used for any anti-China, separatist activities and will firmly support China on issues related to Xizang and Xinjiang. China reiterated that it will continue to firmly support Sri Lanka in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will respect and support Sri Lanka in independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. The Chinese side reiterated its commitment to an independent foreign policy of peace. Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to an independent non-aligned foreign policy.?

In January of this year, when the U.S. military invaded Venezuela, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister immediately voiced support, stating, “Action must be taken to protect the sovereignty of all nations.” Similarly, the People’s Liberation Front(JVP), Sri Lanka’s ruling party, also issued a statement declaring, “As in any other free and sovereign state, the right to determine the future and the leaders of the country rests on the people of Venezuela. Powerful countries do not have the right to violate this principle.” These statements and positions from Sri Lanka precisely demonstrate that its commitment to sovereignty is principled and unwavering. It is by no means a case of so-called “submission” or “concession,” as the Eurasia Review has one-sidedly distorted and mischaracterized.

It is well known that the 14th Dalai Lama is neither a pure religious figure, nor a nonviolent and peaceful person. Rather, he is a political exile who has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities and seeks to separate Xizang from China under the cloak of religion. As for how Sri Lanka manages its own affairs, the Eurasia Review need not concern itself. Instead of its habitual bullying of third-world nations, this U.S.-based outlet should focus on more pressing matters, such as when the U.S. will restore freedom to the President of Venezuela, and how it plans to address the public outrage in the U.S. over ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

(Author: Jigme)