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Existing models of intracontinental deformation have focused on plate-like rigid-body motion versus viscous-flow-like distributed deformation. To elucidate how plate convergence is accommodated by intracontinental strike-slip faulting and block rotation within a fold-thrust belt, we examine the Cenozoic structural framework of the central Qilian Shan of northeastern Tibet, where the northwest-striking, right-slip Elashan and Riyueshan faults terminate at the west-northwest-striking, left-slip Haiyuan and Kunlun fault. Field- and satellite-based observations of discrete right-slip fault segments, releasing bends, horsetail termination splays, and off-fault normal faulting suggest the right-slip faults accommodate block rotation and distributed west-east crustal stretching between the Haiyuan and Kunlun faults. Luminescence dating of offset terrace risers along the Riyueshan fault yields a Quaternary slip rate of ∼1.1 mm/yr, which is similar to previous estimates. By integrating our results with regional deformation constraints, we propose that the pattern of Cenozoic deformation in northeastern Tibet is compatible with west-east crustal stretching/lateral displacement, non-rigid off-fault deformation, and broad clockwise rotation and bookshelf faulting, that together accommodate northeast-southwest India-Asia convergence. In this model, the faults represent strain localization that approximate continuum deformation during regional clockwise lithospheric flow against the rigid Eurasian continent.Thematic collection: This article is part of the Fold-and-thrust belts collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/fold-and-thrust-belts