Overview

• On his 90th birthday the Dalai Lama issued a video statement confirming that only his India-based Gaden Phodrang Foundation may identify and recognize his successor.
• A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman reiterated that next reincarnations must be chosen by drawing lots from the Golden Urn and then approved by Beijing’s central government.
• Experts warn the conflicting claims set the stage for a parallel succession, with one Dalai Lama recognized by exile authorities and another installed by the Chinese state.
• Tibet’s exile administration points to the 1995 abduction of the recognized Panchen Lama as evidence of Beijing’s readiness to control senior Buddhist appointments.
• Observers say the intensifying succession dispute threatens Tibetan cultural identity as China continues assimilation efforts through state-run boarding schools.