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Dalai Lama news: Hours after the Dalai Lama clarified that China would not have any role in choosing his succession, Beijing reacted strongly and said his successor "must be approved by China's central government". The Dalai Lama's succession must comply with Chinese laws and regulations as well as religious rituals and historical conventions, Mao Ning, spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a regular news conference.

Four days ahead of his 90th birthday, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Wednesday stated that the institution of Dalai Lama will continue, putting to rest uncertainty over whether he will have a successor after his death. In a statement made on May 21, 2025 in Tibetan language and released by his office in Dharamshala on Wednesday, he said that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has the sole authority to recognise the future Dalai Lama. The Gaden Phodrang Trust is a non-profit organisation set up by the Dalai Lama. It is responsible for all matters related to him and acts on his behalf.

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The 90th birthday celebrations of the 14th Dalai Lama -- Tenzin Gyatso, who is also called Lhama Thondup -- commenced at Tsuglagkhang, the main temple in Mcleodganj near Dharamshala on June 30.

"I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and 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," the statement said.

Who can decide the successor of Dalai Lama?

During a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions on September 24, 2011, the Dalai Lama had stated that "as far back as in 1969, I made clear that people concerned should decide whether the Dalai Lama's reincarnations should continue in future." He had stated that when he will be 90 years old, he will consult the high Lamas of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, the Tibetan public, and other people who follow Tibetan Buddhism to evaluate whether or not the institution of the Dalai Lama should continue.

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Dalai Lama's statement issued on Wednesday said, "I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans and Tibetan buddhists living in other parts of the world requesting that the institution of Dalai Lama should continue. I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue." He said the responsibility to recognise the future reincarnation rests with the members of Gaden Phodrang Trust, Office the Dalai Lama who should consult various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and the reliable oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are linked inseparably to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. "They should carry out the procedures of search and recognition in accordance with the tradition," the statement added. 

How will Dalai Lama successor be choosen?

In his book "Voice for the Voiceless", released in March 2025, the Dalai Lama said his successor would be born outside China. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since 1959, after fleeing a failed uprising against the rule of Mao Zedong's Communists. He wrote that he would release details about his succession around the time of his 90th birthday. On Wednesday, he ended years of waiting by his followers on the issue of his succession, saying the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue and that the Gaden Phodrang Trust had sole authority to recognise his reincarnation.

What does China says on Dalai Lama

China asserts its right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, citing a legacy from imperial times. According to Chinese officials, the selection process should involve a golden urn ritual, dating back to the 1793 Qing dynasty, and the reincarnated lama should be born within China's borders. However, the Dalai Lama and many Tibetans view this as a ploy to exert control over the Tibetan community. The Dalai Lama has stated that it's inappropriate for Chinese Communists, who reject religion, to interfere in the reincarnation process. He has urged Tibetans to reject any candidate chosen for political reasons, including those selected by the Chinese government. Beijing, in turn, labels the Dalai Lama a "separatist" and suppresses public displays of devotion towards him.

(With inputs from agencies)