‘Will never accept’: Tibetan leaders slam China’s interference in Dalai Lama’s reincarnation

The CTA's sharp statement came during the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala, where global Tibetan and Buddhist leaders reached a consensus on protecting the sanctity of the centuries-old tradition.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), on Wednesday, strongly condemned China's attempts to politicise the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. It asserted that only Tibetan Buddhist traditions will guide the process of identifying his successor.

The CTA's sharp statement came during the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala, where global Tibetan and Buddhist leaders reached a consensus on protecting the sanctity of the centuries-old tradition.

CTA President Penpa Tsering said, “We not only strongly condemn China’s use of the reincarnation issue for political gain, but we shall never accept it. The core process of recognising the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation belongs solely to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.”

It should be noted that China has been repeatedly claiming the authority to appoint the next Dalai Lama. Tibetans see this move as an effort to exert political control over Tibetan Buddhism.

Tsering reiterated that Tibetans inside and outside Tibet have pledged to uphold national unity and continue their non-violent struggle for the just cause of Tibet.

Early in the day, in a historic announcement, the Tibetan spiritual leader formally affirmed that the centuries-old institution of the Dalai Lama will continue after his death, quelling years of uncertainty over its future.

He went on to declare that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will hold exclusive authority in recognising his reincarnation, effectively excluding any role for China in the process.

The confirmation was delivered by Tsering during the conference in Dharamshala.

Tsering said the decision came in response to widespread appeals from Tibetan religious leaders, members of the global Tibetan diaspora, and Buddhist communities across the Himalayan region, Mongolia, China, and beyond.

“These heartfelt appeals, made with unwavering devotion, were received with infinite compassion by His Holiness, who has now agreed to continue the institution of the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 90th birthday,” Tsering said.