As Dalai Lama Reaffirms Reincarnation Tradition, China Insists Successor Needs State Approval

China announced on Wednesday (2 July) that the successor of Dalai Lama "must be approved by the central government”, reported Hindustan Times.

The statement came in response to the Tibetan spiritual leader’s statement about a reincarnated successor after his death.

Beijing views the current Dalai Lama as a separatist and claims sole authority over his succession.

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled Lhasa in 1959 at 23 years old, fearing for his life as Chinese troops took control of Tibet.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner has since become the global face of Tibetans’ struggle to preserve their cultural identity and a prominent symbol of peace and non-violence.

On Wednesday (2 July), he reaffirmed the continuation of the 600-year-old Dalai Lama tradition, reassuring many Tibetans concerned about their spiritual and cultural leadership's future.

“The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama and other great Buddhist figures must be chosen by drawing lots from a golden urn, and approved by the central government,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning

She was referring to an 18th-century Qing dynasty selection method.

Mao also said, “The Chinese government implements a policy of freedom of religious belief, but there are regulations on religious affairs and methods for managing the reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas.”

She defended China’s religious policies, adding that adapting religious practices to Chinese traditions “is not its restriction. The survival and development of any religion lies in adapting to the country's social environment and cultural traditions.”

She added, “Tibetan Buddhism was born in China and carries Chinese characteristics.”

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