Dalai Lama insists on control over successor selection amid China's interference

In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to India during the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule, marking the beginning of his life in exile. As of July 2025, he is turning 90 and remains an influential figure for millions of Tibetan Buddhists around the world. He has been vocal about the Chinese government's attempts to impose its control over the selection of his successor, firmly stating that no outside authority, including China, should interfere in this process. This situation stems from China's vested interest in legitimizing its authority over Tibet, a region it has ruled since its formal annexation in 1951 through the 17-Point Agreement. The selection of the next Dalai Lama is steeped in specific spiritual rituals that are deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. This process includes signs to identify a reincarnation, such as examining which way smoke blows during the cremation of the current Dalai Lama and assessing candidates' ability to identify objects belonging to him. However, the Chinese government has historically attempted to manipulate religious leadership, as seen in the case of the Panchen Lama in 1995, leading to concerns about a potential split in Tibetan allegiance and identity if two opposing figures were to emerge. Celebrations for the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday have taken place in Dharamshala, India, attended by thousands, including prominent figures like American actor Richard Gere. However, these festivities are tempered by fear that China will install a rival successor to further dilute Tibetan identity and exacerbate the divide among Tibetan communities both in Tibet and in the diaspora. Despite living in exile, the Dalai Lama's global influence has fostered a strong Tibetan identity that resists Chinese assimilation efforts, ensuring that the Tibetan cause remains relevant on the world stage. Notably, the Dalai Lama's teachings have permeated various cultures globally, appearing in literature, mindfulness practices, and media, carving a niche that highlights the resilience of Tibetan culture in the face of oppression. His ongoing commitment to interfaith dialogues and human rights advocacy further aligns Tibet's struggles with broader global movements, complicating Beijing's attempts to isolate the situation. The current discourse surrounding the Dalai Lama’s succession taps into larger issues of identity, control, and autonomy in a region that continues to grapple with its colonial past, offering insight into the geopolitical tension between Tibet and China.