“I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue,” the spiritual leader said.
The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has confirmed he will have a successor, ending speculation over whether the centuries-old institution would end after his death.
In a video message broadcast from Dharamshala, India, the 89-year-old stated, “I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue.” He added that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust “has any authority to interfere in this matter.”
China, which annexed Tibet in 1950, dismissed the statement, insisting any successor must be born in China and approved by the state.
Tibetan followers celebrated the announcement during the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebrations.
“This is a great relief,” said Tsayang Gyatso, a Tibetan businessman.
Tibet scholars say China may name its own Dalai Lama, but the exiled community and global followers are likely to reject it.
A Tibetan MP said China “doesn’t have the legitimacy to find the future Dalai Lama” and warned that a Chinese-backed successor “will not be recognised.”