The Dalai Lama’s statement this month that his successor would be selected by the traditional process of reincarnation has heartened the millions of followers around the world celebrating his 90th birthday. It has also attracted global attention to Tibet’s unresolved independent status and China’s authoritarian legitimacy. His statement reiterated a 2011 affirmation that the process to recognise the next Dalai Lama must rest exclusively with the Gaden Phodrang Trust – the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Beijing swiftly rejected the plan and asserted the Chinese Communist Party’s position that the Chinese central government is the only body that can name a Tibetan leader. “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,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.
The Dalai Lama’s succession: A moment for global solidarity | Lowy Institute
