How the next Dalai Lama will be chosen

China 'determined to shape the narrative' around choice of Tibet's next spiritual leader

Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama has indicated he may 'emanate' to another person while still alive, and that that person could be an adult and not necessarily a man
(Image credit: AFP via Getty Images)

The Dalai Lama has marked his 90th birthday by revealing the long-awaited plans for his succession. In a video message, the spiritual leader of Tibet's Buddhists said "the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue" after his death, with the spiritual foundation he established in 2015 tasked with identifying his reincarnation. In a nod to brewing political tensions over the role, he added that "no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter".

The choice of his successor is "a matter of riveting interest not only for followers of his religion, but also China, India, and the United States, for strategic reasons", said Reuters.

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