China's popular state-owned tabloid on Friday warned Mongolia for seeking financial aid from India to cope with economic hardship that the land-locked mountainous country has been facing due to recent trade blockade imposed by Chinese government. 

The stern warning by Chinese state media comes barely hours following reports by Indian media confirmed that New Delhi may offer up to  $1 billion credit line to the Mongolian government, after the latter approached the Modi government for financial aid.

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The Global Times said that it hopes that Mongolia stays neutral and continues to benefit from its two lone neighbors - China and Russia - and not get involved in any major power competition.       

It cautioned the predominately Buddhist country against engaging with 'third neighbor', which is an open reference to India.  

"However, it also hopes it could seek a third neighbor, which can enable the country to reap more profits by gaining more bargaining chips. But, Mongolia should be alerted that it cannot afford the risks of such geopolitical games," it said.

It termed Mongolia's understanding about international diplomacy as "naive," adding that it must not accept positive reciprocation from China after trying to harm its regional interest. It asserted that the country must instead try to reap benefits from China's economic growth. 

The article said that it was naive of Mongolia to ask help from India, warning that the move will "only complicate the situation and leave a narrower space to sort the issue out. We hope the crisis-hit Mongolia will learn its lessons."

Meanwhile, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lu Kang, on Thursday had refused to comment on reports that the Indian government may bailout the crisis-hit North East Asian country.

Dalai Lama's Visit to Ulaanbaatar Creates Tension   

The latest strain in bilateral relationship between Mongolia and China is a direct result of the Dalai Lama's unexpected four-day visit to Ulaanbaatar last month.  

Beijing had warned the Mongolian government against the visit, asserting that it opposed insurgent activities carried out by the Dalai Lama in any foreign country.

Ulaanbaatar, however, downplayed Beijing's warning, stating that the famous Buddhist monk's four-day visit is only a religious affair and the government has nothing to do with it. 

China views the Dalai Lama as a "separatist leader," whose sole aim is to break Tibet from Mainland China.

The controversial Buddhist leader fled Tibet in 1959, after leading a 'failed uprising' against the Chinese government. Since then, the globetrotting spiritual leader has been living exile in the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. 

Tagschina, China and Mongolia, Mongolia, India, India and Mongolia, Dalai Lama