As the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday on July 6th, 2025, he has made a significant announcement regarding his succession that is seen as a veiled snub to China. In a statement released on July 2nd, 2025, the Dalai Lama asserted that the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation, effectively excluding China from any role in the selection process. This declaration твердо establishes his intentions for the continuation of the Dalai Lama lineage.
This announcement follows appeals from Tibetan spiritual leaders and Buddhist communities worldwide. It also directly challenges China's attempts to control the selection of the next Dalai Lama. China views the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, as a separatist and maintains that it has the right to choose his successor. The Dalai Lama, however, has stated that his successor will be born outside of China and has urged his followers to reject any candidate chosen by Beijing.
The Dalai Lama's reincarnation is a complex issue. Tibetan Buddhists believe that enlightened monks are reborn to continue their spiritual work. The Dalai Lama is considered a 'tulku,' someone who consciously chooses rebirth to continue his spiritual work. The Chinese government insists that the tradition of selecting a new Dalai Lama through reincarnation must be maintained. Some observers have speculated that this could lead to the identification of two Dalai Lamas, one in exile and one in China, similar to the situation with the Panchen Lama.
The Panchen Lama is considered the second-highest authority in Tibetan Buddhism. In 1995, China detained Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the Panchen Lama recognized by the Dalai Lama, and installed its own choice. This action has fueled Tibetan resentment against Beijing.
The Dalai Lama's decision to clarify the succession process through the Gaden Phodrang Trust represents a shift from his previous stance. In the past, he had expressed uncertainty about the future of the Dalai Lama institution, even suggesting in 1969 that concerned people should decide whether the reincarnations should continue.
The announcement is expected to further strain the already complex relationship between India and China. New Delhi has traditionally avoided direct involvement in the Dalai Lama's succession to avoid antagonizing China. However, India's hosting of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile is a point of contention with Beijing. Some analysts suggest that India views the "Tibet card" as leverage in its relationship with China.
The Dalai Lama's activities have focused on political matters concerning Tibet and wider philosophical matters on Buddhism. He has worked to raise international awareness of the situation in Tibet. In 1987, he proposed a "Five Point Peace Plan" for Tibet, calling for its transformation into a zone of peace, an end to China's population transfer policy, respect for human rights, environmental protection, and the removal of nuclear weapons. China rejected this plan.
In 2011, the Dalai Lama stepped down as the political head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, transitioning the role to a democratically elected body. He stated that "the rule by kings and religious figures is outdated" and that democracy is the trend of the free world. Despite retiring from politics, he remains the spiritual leader of the Tibetan community.
The Dalai Lama's recent announcement regarding his succession underscores his commitment to preserving Tibetan Buddhism and culture, and his determination to ensure that the selection of his successor remains free from Chinese interference.
