Dalai Lama Asserts Tibetan Authority Over Succession Amidst Chinese Interference

In a powerful statement, the Dalai Lama has declared that only his office has the authority to identify his successor, directly challenging the Chinese Communist Party's attempts to interfere in Tibetan religious matters. As he celebrated his 90th birthday, he emphasized that the next Dalai Lama will be born outside of China. This declaration has been praised by human rights advocates, who stress the importance of Tibetan spiritual autonomy. The HRNTT and other organizations are marking this milestone with a 'Year of Compassion' and various initiatives to raise awareness about Tibet's struggles. The Dalai Lama's message resonates strongly with Tibetans both in exile and within occupied territories, urging them to uphold their cultural identity against external pressures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 9, 2025, 18:47 IST

Dalai Lama's Strong Stance on Succession

The Dalai Lama has recently emphasized that only his office possesses the authority to identify his successor, a statement that counters the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) ongoing attempts to meddle in Tibetan religious matters, as reported by a news outlet.

Celebrating his 90th birthday, the 14th Dalai Lama asserted that the institution of the Dalai Lama will persist, and that the next Dalai Lama, the 15th, will be born outside of China. He stated, 'In line with historical tradition, the search for my reincarnation and the designation of a 15th Dalai Lama will be conducted,' firmly asserting that only his office has the rightful authority to determine his reincarnation.

Tashi Tsering, the secretary-general of the Human Rights Network for Tibet and Taiwan (HRNTT), commended the Dalai Lama's remarks as a significant rebuttal to the CCP.

He criticized Beijing's unfounded assertion that it has the right to select the next Dalai Lama, reiterating that such authority lies solely with His Holiness and his institution.

'This definitive stance sends a clear message that the CCP cannot dictate religious identity or Tibetan spiritual autonomy,' Tashi Tsering remarked.

He also called on Tibetans, both within occupied Tibet and in exile, to honor the Dalai Lama's legacy and resist Chinese pressure. The HRNTT, along with the Hong Kong Outlanders (HKO) and the Taiwan chapter of Students for a Free Tibet, participated in the celebrations of the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday in Dharamsala. These organizations also engaged with the local Tibetan exile community to bolster Taiwan-Tibet solidarity.

Several Taiwanese civic leaders were present, including HRNTT board member Lin Hsin-yi and Human Rights Conventions and Covenants Watch CEO Huang Yi-bee. Notably, Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a long-time advocate for Tibet, addressed the gathering, referring to the Dalai Lama as 'a gift to the world, not just to Tibet.'

To commemorate the spiritual leader's significant milestone, the HRNTT and its allies have proclaimed the next 12 months as the 'Year of Compassion.' A traveling exhibition titled 'From the Snowy Ridges to the Ocean of Wisdom' will showcase Tibetan history and the teachings of the Dalai Lama. Additionally, civic groups in Taiwan are planning to establish a city council group to enhance public awareness regarding Tibet's plight.