Chinese Government Claims Control Over Dalai Lama Reincarnation

China’s top Tibetan official, Gama Cedain, has asserted that the Chinese central government holds the ultimate and unquestionable authority over the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, rejecting the current Dalai Lama’s claim to select his successor. This position, reiterated during the 60th anniversary of the Tibet Autonomous Region, emphasizes adherence to traditional rituals including a domestic search, drawing lots from a golden urn, and government approval. The Chinese government views the Dalai Lama, a Nobel laureate, as a separatist and aims to bring Tibetan Buddhism under its control, which the Dalai Lama and his followers have resisted. In contrast, the current Dalai Lama has stated that his reincarnation will occur outside China and that a non-profit institution he established will have sole authority over identifying his successor. This dispute highlights the broader conflict over Tibetan autonomy, with China asserting tight control over religious and political matters in the region, while many Tibetans, especially those in exile, reject Chinese rule. The issue remains a key point of tension between Tibetan spiritual leadership and Beijing’s efforts to consolidate authority over Tibet.