DHARAMSALA, India (Diya TV) — The 14th Dalai Lama said Wednesday that China will have no role in choosing his successor. He made it clear that the decision on his reincarnation will rest solely with a foundation he appointed.
The Tibetan spiritual leader reaffirmed that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, holds the authority to identify the next Dalai Lama. His remarks come amid growing concerns about China’s repeated claims that it will select the 15th Dalai Lama.
In a statement released from his residence in Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama referred to his 2011 proclamation. That declaration, made during a meeting with Tibetan Buddhist leaders, outlined the future of the Dalai Lama institution. He emphasized that any reincarnation would follow Tibetan Buddhist traditions, not political influence.
“I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” the Dalai Lama said.
The 14th Dalai Lama’s words are seen as a direct response to China’s longstanding claim that it will appoint his successor. Tibetan leaders and human rights groups argue that such a move would amount to religious interference.
The Dalai Lama noted that as far back as 1969, he had made it clear that the people must decide the future of his reincarnation. He said that once he turns 90, he will consult high Lamas, the Tibetan public, and other concerned communities to reassess the need for the Dalai Lama institution to continue.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate also explained how support from Tibetan leaders, monks, and communities around the world has strengthened his resolve. Over the past 14 years, spiritual leaders, Tibetan parliamentarians, exiled officials, and Buddhists from the Himalayan region, Mongolia, and mainland China have urged him to ensure the institution continues.
The Dalai Lama said the Gaden Phodrang Trust will be responsible for overseeing the reincarnation process. The trust will consult with spiritual leaders and Dharma Protectors closely tied to the Dalai Lama lineage. He said the process will follow historical practices, ensuring it remains rooted in Tibetan religious customs.
The spiritual leader also warned against any attempts by external forces to interfere. “Any decision regarding my reincarnation will be made solely by Tibetan Buddhists,” he said. “No government, including China’s, has the right to decide.”
China has long insisted that it will name the 15th Dalai Lama. In recent years, Chinese authorities have passed laws requiring all reincarnations of Tibetan lamas to be approved by Beijing. This policy has drawn criticism from international human rights organizations, who see it as a way to control Tibetan religious life.
Tibetans fear that a China-appointed Dalai Lama would lack spiritual legitimacy and serve political interests. The current Dalai Lama’s firm stance sends a strong message that the future of Tibetan Buddhism cannot be dictated by the Chinese government.
By formally reaffirming the 2011 guidelines, the Dalai Lama seeks to protect Tibetan Buddhism’s sacred traditions from political interference. He stressed the importance of keeping the process spiritual and authentic.
He also expressed confidence in the ability of the Gaden Phodrang Trust to carry forward the responsibility. The trust, he said, will work with religious leaders and communities to ensure any future decision respects the values and beliefs of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Dalai Lama’s statement is a clear effort to prevent confusion about his reincarnation. It is also a reminder of the growing struggle between religious freedom and political control in the region.
