Listen to this article

Dalai Lama Says Trust Will Choose Successor as China Demands Central Approval

130 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Published Jul 2, 2025, 03:19 PM

The Dalai Lama, four days shy of his 90th birthday, declared that the six-century-old institution bearing his title will continue after his death and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit he founded in 2011, has the authority to recognise his future reincarnation. In a video statement from Dharamshala released on Wednesday, the 14th Dalai Lama said the trust’s members will consult senior Tibetan Buddhist leaders to carry out the search “in accordance with past tradition,” citing a 24 September 2011 declaration that formalised the process.

“No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” he said, ending years of speculation that he might be the last Dalai Lama. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate added that the decision responded to sustained appeals from Tibetans inside Tibet, the diaspora and Buddhist communities across Asia and Russia.

Beijing swiftly rejected the announcement. China’s Foreign Ministry insisted that the next Dalai Lama “must be approved by the central government” under national law and the historical Golden Urn lottery, reviving a long-running dispute over religious authority in the Himalayan region.

The duelling claims underscore rising geopolitical stakes. The Dalai Lama has lived in exile in northern India since fleeing a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule; Beijing brands him a separatist. Analysts warn that China’s stance could result in rival claimants—one backed by senior Tibetan monks loyal to the 14th Dalai Lama and another endorsed by Beijing—further straining China’s relations with India and Western governments.

The Gaden Phodrang Trust, chaired by the Dalai Lama and based in Dharamshala, currently supports his humanitarian and spiritual work. While the 89-year-old leader has said he could live past 110, Wednesday’s statement clarifies succession arrangements well before that point, providing continuity for millions of followers and laying down a direct challenge to Chinese attempts to influence Tibetan Buddhism.

More breaking stories on DeepNewz — updated live.

Financial Analysis

Associated Financial Markets

More financial news and market updates→

Related Prediction Markets

Who will replace Musk as Tesla CEO?

•

Sources

reuters.com(16)bbc.com(6)news18.com(4)thehindu.com(4)

O Tempo

@otempo

Dalai Lama confirms that he will have a successor after his death Tibetan Buddhist leader made the announcement during celebrations leading up to his 90th anniversary, ending uncertainties about the future of the ancient tradition