The head of the Tibetan exile government, Penpa Tsering, has firmly rejected attempts by the Chinese government to interfere in the selection of the next Dalai Lama.
Speaking to Ippen-Media, Tsering stated, “The Tibetans alone will decide on the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama”. This statement comes in response to a law enacted by the Beijing government several years ago, granting the Chinese Communist Party control over the process of selecting a new Dalai Lama. This has fueled concerns about the potential emergence of two Dalai Lamas – one recognized by the Tibetan people and another appointed by Beijing.
“We are naturally aware that the government in Beijing has been preparing for the passing of His Holiness for many years and that there may one day be two Dalai Lamas. Beijing believes it can control the Tibetans if it controls the Dalai Lama” Tsering explained.
On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama announced in a video message that a successor to the spiritual leader of Tibet would exist after his death. The Dalai Lama has previously indicated that the line of Dalai Lamas might come to an end with him. This announcement has caused concern among many Tibetans globally, leading to calls for a reincarnation.
The Dalai Lama is set to celebrate his 90th birthday this Sunday. Tsering reported that despite his advanced age, the Dalai Lama is in “excellent” health and is recovering “slowly but well” from a knee operation he underwent in the United States last year.