The Dalai Lama’s succession has long been a point of contention between Tibetans and China, but his latest statement has escalated the dispute. In his newly published book,
, the 89-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader has explicitly stated for the first time that his successor will be born in the “free world”—outside of China. This defies Beijing’s longstanding claim that it has the sole right to choose the next Dalai Lama.
For China, controlling the Dalai Lama’s succession is about more than religion—it’s about political authority and maintaining control over Tibet. The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, has long been regarded as a “separatist” by Beijing. With his 90th birthday approaching in July, the question of who will succeed him has become urgent, as it could determine the future of Tibetan Buddhism and Tibet’s political movement. Below, we break down the key issues surrounding this controversy.
Also read: ‘Will be born in free world’: Dalai Lama declares successor will be born outside China; Beijing counters
FAQs
1. Why does the Dalai Lama’s successor matter so much to China?
China considers the Dalai Lama to be a symbol of Tibetan resistance and fears that an independent successor could fuel separatist sentiments. By controlling the reincarnation process, Beijing hopes to install a Dalai Lama loyal to the Chinese government, ensuring tighter control over Tibet. The current Dalai Lama, however, has made it clear that any successor appointed by China will not be respected by Tibetans:
“Since the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama … will continue.”
2. What is the traditional process for selecting a new Dalai Lama?
According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is reincarnated, and his successor is identified by senior monks through visions, signs, and tests. Historically, this process has been free from political interference. However, China insists that it has the final say, citing historical conventions:
“The lineage of the Dalai Lama living Buddha was formed and developed in China’s Tibet, and his religious status and name were also determined by (China’s) central government.”
– Mao Ning, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson
3. Why does the Dalai Lama say his successor will be born outside China?
In
Voice for the Voiceless
, the Dalai Lama explains that his successor must be free from Chinese control to continue his spiritual and humanitarian mission:
“The new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama … will continue.”
This move is intended to prevent China from appointing a successor who would serve its political interests rather than uphold the spiritual and cultural values of Tibetan Buddhism.
4. How has China responded to the Dalai Lama’s claim?
Beijing has dismissed the Dalai Lama’s remarks, insisting that it alone has the authority to choose his successor. The Chinese Foreign Ministry called him:
“A political exile who has no right to represent the Tibetan people at all.”
They also reiterated that the reincarnation must follow government regulations:
“The reincarnations of living Buddhas, including the Dalai Lama, should abide by national laws and regulations.”
5. What happened with the Panchen Lama, and why is it relevant?
The controversy over the Panchen Lama—a senior figure in Tibetan Buddhism—illustrates China’s approach to religious succession. In 1995, the Dalai Lama identified a six-year-old boy, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, as the 11th Panchen Lama. Shortly after, the Chinese government abducted the child and appointed its own Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, who is seen by many Tibetans as illegitimate.
The original Panchen Lama has not been seen since, with China claiming that he is now living a “normal life.” This fuels fears that Beijing will follow the same strategy with the next Dalai Lama.
6. What happens if China appoints its own Dalai Lama?
If China installs a Dalai Lama of its choosing, Tibetans and the global Buddhist community are unlikely to accept him. This could lead to two rival Dalai Lamas—one recognized by Tibetans in exile and another by China. The Dalai Lama himself has warned:
“Any Dalai Lama named by China would not be respected.”
A divided leadership could deepen the Tibetan resistance against Chinese rule and further strain China’s relations with the international community.
7. How does this issue affect international relations?
The dispute over the Dalai Lama’s succession has global implications, especially for China’s relations with India and the US.
- India has hosted the Dalai Lama and the
Tibetan government-in-exile since 1959. China views any Indian involvement in the succession process as a provocation. Recently, India has increased security around the Dalai Lama in response to Beijing’s growing interest in his succession. - The United States has consistently supported Tibet’s religious freedom. In 2019, the US Congress passed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act, stating that:
“The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama should be determined solely by Tibetan Buddhists and that Chinese officials who interfere in this process will be sanctioned.”
Beijing has condemned such foreign involvement as an attempt to destabilize China.
8. What does the Dalai Lama say about Tibet’s future?
In
Voice for the Voiceless
, the Dalai Lama expresses concern over Tibet’s fate under Chinese rule but remains hopeful:
“The right of the Tibetan people to be the custodians of their own homeland cannot be indefinitely denied.”
He also reaffirmed that the struggle for Tibetan freedom will continue beyond his lifetime:
“Tibetans have spent nearly 75 years fighting for freedom. Their struggle should continue beyond my lifetime.”
(With inputs from agencies)