Beijing says Dalai Lama’s succession plan breaks tradition, tensions expected to rise
Beijing’s foreign ministry responds to the exiled spiritual leader who says his office has sole authority to recognise next Dalai Lama
Beijing said the succession of the Dalai Lama should be in accordance with tradition and Chinese law, in a swift rejection of a plan announced by the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader.
On Wednesday, four days ahead of his 90th birthday, he posted a statement to X discussing the future of the Tibetan spiritual leadership, particularly his succession plans.
He said that his reincarnation should be decided by Tibetans and Buddhists, echoing his 2011 statement that only this trust, in consultation with Buddhist leaders and protectors, could identify the next Dalai Lama.
“I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” he said in the statement on Wednesday.
Hours later, Beijing swiftly rejected his succession plan and maintained that the successor would be selected in accordance with tradition and Chinese law.
“The Dalai Lama’s reincarnation must follow the principles of domestic recognition, the ‘golden urn’ process, and approval by the central government, in line with religious traditions and laws,” Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.