Dalai Lama reveals succession plans, needs Beijing's nod: China

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has confirmed that he will have a successor after his death, ending years of uncertainty. He said only the foundation he set up could recognise a future Dalai Lama - "no one else has any such authority to interfere" He reassure Buddhist followers around the globe that the 600-year-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue. "In particular, I have received messages through various channels from Tibetans in Tibet making the same appeal," he said in a video broadcast at the start of a meeting of religious leaders in Himchal Pradesh's Dharamshala where he has lived for decades. "In accordance with all these requests, I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he added, according to an official translation.

Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama

(Translated from the original Tibetan)

On 24 September 2011, at a meeting of the heads of Tibetan spiritual traditions, I made a statement to fellow Tibetans in and outside Tibet, followers of Tibetan… pic.twitter.com/VqtBUH9yDm

— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 2, 2025

It is a landmark decision for Tibetans, many of whom had feared a future without a leader, as well as for global supporters who see the Dalai Lama as a symbol of non-violence, compassion and the enduring struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule. According to Tibetans, Tenzin Gyatso is the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was 23 years old when he fled Lhasa in 1959, fearing for his life as Chinese troops took control of Tibet.

Penpa Tsering Sikyong, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, says "...Various sections of people, including the Participants of the 14th Tibetan Religious Conference, Special General Tibetan Conference Tibetans both in and outside Tibet, Buddhist brothers and sisters from Himalayan region, Mongolia, China and believers across the globe appealed an earnest request with single minded devotion to Dalai Lama to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama for the benefit of all sentient beings in general and Buddhists in particular. In response to this overwhelming supplication, Dalai Lama has shown infinite compassion and finally agreed to accept our appeal on this special occasion of his 90th birthday."

#WATCH | Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh: Penpa Tsering Sikyong, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, says "...Various sections of people, including the Participants of the 14th Tibetan Religious Conference, Special General Tibetan Conference Tibetans both in and… pic.twitter.com/7nNt2eO9px

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025

China on Wednesday said that the Dalai Lama’s successor “must be approved by the central government,” responding to the Tibetan spiritual leader’s announcement that he would have a reincarnated successor after his death. China, which considers the current Dalai Lama a separatist, has asserted that only Beijing has the authority to decide who his successor will be. “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 foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular press briefing, referring to a selection method introduced by a Qing dynasty emperor in the 18th century.“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,” Mao added.