Tibetan Tensions: The Dalai Lama's Successor Debate Heats Up

In a significant development ahead of his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama has confirmed that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will hold exclusive authority over his future reincarnation, a stance that adds fuel to longstanding tensions with China. This decision, rooted in Tibetan spiritual traditions, rebuffs China's claim to influence the succession process.

According to Tibetan Parliament-in-exile member Tenzing Jigdal, China's demands for a say in the reincarnation are ironic, given its atheist stance and history of defaming the spiritual leader. He emphasized that the Dalai Lama's next incarnation could be born anywhere, underscoring the independence of the decision.

Chinese authorities maintain that any reincarnation process should adhere to historical practices like the 'Golden Urn' law, demanding the central government's involvement. However, Tibetan leaders argue the sacred process remains strictly under the guardian of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, independent of Beijing's approval.

(With inputs from agencies.)