evidence: Tawang is one of the most pivotal areas for China when it comes to Tibetan affairs [...] While the religious leader is seen as a thorn in China’s side under ordinary circumstances, his visit to Tawang is being seen by Beijing as especially provocative because the town is part of the 84,000 square kilometers of Indian territory that China officially claims as its own. [...] China also cares what happens in Tawang because it claims it as its territory.