Why Is China Rattled by the Dalai Lama’s Succession Plan?
#News Bureau July 3,2025
China has raised strong objections to the Dalai Lama’s succession plan, claiming that its approval is essential in appointing his successor. But why does Beijing insist on controlling a deeply spiritual and religious process?
At the heart of China’s concern is political control over Tibet. By asserting authority over the next Dalai Lama’s selection, China aims to legitimize its hold on the region and prevent any future Tibetan spiritual leader from becoming a symbol of resistance or autonomy. For China, the succession is not just a religious matter—it’s a geopolitical tool to reinforce its sovereignty and suppress the Tibetan independence movement.
Just ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama—the supreme spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism—has made a major announcement regarding the process of selecting his successor. He declared that the sole authority to recognize his reincarnation and choose the next Dalai Lama will rest with his non-profit organization, the Gaden Phodrang Trust. The statement has provoked a sharp reaction from China, which swiftly asserted that any appointment of a new Dalai Lama must have the Chinese government’s approval.
This dispute has reignited a broader debate over the future of Tibetan Buddhism and regional politics.
Speaking in Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama reassured the Tibetan Buddhist community that the centuries-old tradition of the Dalai Lama will continue even after his death. He said,
“I want to make it absolutely clear that the institution of the Dalai Lama will remain. The Gaden Phodrang Trust, based in India, will have the sole authority to recognize my reincarnation. No other party has any role in this process.”
The Dalai Lama has hinted that his successor could be born outside Tibet and that there is no requirement for the next spiritual leader to be male. This aligns with Tibetan Buddhist traditions, which place no restrictions on gender or nationality in the process of reincarnation. His close aide, Samdhong Rinpoche—a senior member of the Gaden Phodrang Trust—confirmed that while the Dalai Lama remains in good health, he has not yet issued any formal written instructions regarding the selection of his successor.
China’s Swift Reaction
Within hours of the Dalai Lama’s announcement, China’s Foreign Ministry responded strongly. Spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a press conference in Beijing,
“The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, and other important Tibetan Buddhist figures must follow the lot-drawing ceremony from the Golden Urn and receive central government approval. This process must adhere to Chinese laws, religious customs, and historical traditions.”
This claim by China refers to a practice initiated by the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, where the Golden Urn was used to select high-ranking lamas. However, the Tibetan community views this method as a political tool used by China to tighten its grip over Tibetan Buddhism and undermine its religious autonomy.
Mao Ning further added that “Tibetan Buddhism was born in China and has Chinese characteristics,” a statement many Tibetans see as a direct attack on their religious freedom and identity.
The Dalai Lama in Exile
Born as Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 following a brutal crackdown by Chinese forces. Since then, he has lived in exile in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh—the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile. While China labels him a separatist and disruptor, the Dalai Lama describes himself as a humble Buddhist monk. Globally, he is respected as a symbol of peace, nonviolence, and spiritual leadership.
China occupied Tibet in 1951, and after crushing a failed uprising in 1959, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee to India. Since then, Beijing has steadily interfered in Tibet’s religious and cultural affairs. A notable example occurred in 1995, when China intervened in the selection of the Panchen Lama—a key spiritual figure in Tibetan Buddhism. While the Dalai Lama had identified a young boy as the legitimate Panchen Lama, Chinese authorities detained the child and appointed their own candidate. The original boy has not been seen publicly since, fueling fears within the Tibetan community that China may attempt similar interference in the selection of the next Dalai Lama.
Tibetan Community’s Deepening Concerns
The Dalai Lama’s recent statement has brought some relief to the Tibetan community, especially amid growing uncertainty as he nears his 90th birthday on July 6, 2025. However, China’s aggressive claims over the succession process have reignited tensions. Experts warn that if Beijing appoints its own Dalai Lama, it could lead to a deep and lasting division within Tibetan Buddhism.
Former Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Dr. Lobsang Sangay, remarked, “China’s interference is not just about religious control—it’s a strategic move to tighten its grip on Tibet.”
Penpa Tsering, the current President of the Tibetan government-in-exile, added, “We will not accept China’s interference. The tradition of the Dalai Lama is the soul of Tibetan Buddhism, and his successor must be chosen strictly according to religious principles.”
India’s Strategic Role
The Dalai Lama’s declaration is also being seen as a diplomatic win for India. The Gaden Phodrang Trust, which he designated as the sole authority over his reincarnation, is based in India—effectively establishing Dharamshala as the spiritual and legitimate center for Tibetan Buddhism. This move is expected to help counter China’s propaganda and prevent the legitimacy of any rival appointment by Beijing.
India has long supported the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people, and this issue may deepen existing tensions between New Delhi and Beijing. The Dalai Lama has previously stated that his successor could be born in India or in any other free country—an assertion that directly challenges China’s attempts to control the process.
What Could the Future Hold?
Experts suggest that two possible scenarios may unfold regarding the selection of the Dalai Lama’s successor:
Two Dalai Lamas: China may go ahead and appoint its own chosen candidate as the next Dalai Lama, potentially creating a deep division within Tibetan Buddhism.
Adherence to Tibetan Traditions: The Gaden Phodrang Trust will select the successor based on traditional Buddhist rituals and spiritual practices.
In his recent statement, the Dalai Lama also emphasized that the decision regarding his reincarnation will be made in consultation with the heads of various Tibetan Buddhist traditions and spiritual guardians.
This announcement marks a historic step toward preserving the continuity and autonomy of Tibetan Buddhism. It carries profound religious, political, and diplomatic implications. China’s assertion of control, and the Dalai Lama’s firm response, could shape the future of Tibet, the global discourse on religious freedom, and India-China relations.
As the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday approaches, the world is watching closely:
Will Tibetan traditions prevail—or will China impose its will?
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