Dalai Lama Declares Successor Will Be Born Outside China Amid Beijing’s Criticism

The 14th Dalai Lama has declared that his reincarnated successor will be born in the “free world,” implying outside of China, a statement made in his newly released book. This comes just days after Chinese officials strongly criticized him during the National People’s Congress (NPC).

In his book, Voice for the Voiceless: Over Seven Decades of Struggle with China for My Land and My People, the Dalai Lama emphasizes that the purpose of reincarnation is to continue the work of the predecessor. He asserts that his successor must be born in a place where the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama—to be the voice for universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the symbol of Tibet—can be upheld without interference.

The statement directly challenges China’s long-standing assertion that it has the authority to determine the next Dalai Lama. Chinese officials have repeatedly insisted that the reincarnation process must align with state regulations. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated that the Dalai Lama has “no right” to represent the people of Tibet and that any reincarnation must comply with Chinese law.

The Dalai Lama, considered a “living Buddha,” has been the political and spiritual leader of Tibetans since 1642. However, in 2011, he warned that the lack of clear succession guidelines could allow political interests to exploit the reincarnation system. He criticized Chinese authorities for interfering in Tibetan religious matters, stating it was “particularly inappropriate” for those who reject the concept of reincarnation to dictate its process.

China has previously intervened in the selection of Tibetan spiritual leaders. In 1995, after the Dalai Lama recognized six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the reincarnated 11th Panchen Lama, Beijing abducted him and his family. His whereabouts remain unknown. In his place, China appointed its own Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, who is now a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China’s top advisory body.

China continues to tighten its grip on Tibet, 75 years after its military intervention in the region. The Dalai Lama was forced into exile in India in 1959, where he established a government-in-exile. During the recent NPC in Beijing, Tibet Autonomous Region Chairman Karma Tsetan accused the Dalai Lama and his supporters of “smearing” China’s achievements. He also endorsed the Communist Party’s “three consciousness” education campaign, designed to instill national unity and adherence to Chinese governance.

A report published by Tibet’s Communist Party and government emphasized the need to deepen this education campaign and promote the “Sinification” of Tibetan Buddhism. It also reinforced President Xi Jinping’s national security policies, warning against separatist movements and foreign “infiltration.”

Meanwhile, international organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council, continue to raise concerns over Tibet’s deteriorating human rights situation. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk recently criticized China’s restrictive policies on education, freedom of expression, and religious practices in Tibet.

Beyond Tibet, Turk highlighted ongoing repression in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and mainland China, citing arbitrary detentions, forced labor, and mass imprisonment under counter-terrorism laws. His office previously reported in 2022 that human rights violations in Xinjiang could constitute crimes against humanity.

China has consistently denied all allegations of human rights abuses.

Input From Agency and International News Outlet.