China is stepping up efforts to influence the selection of the next Dalai Lama, seeking to place the succession process under Communist Party control.
CHINA MOVES TO CONTROL SELECTION OF NEXT DALAI LAMA
China is stepping up efforts to influence the selection of the next Dalai Lama, with President Xi Jinping’s government seeking to place the succession process under Communist Party control.
The report says Beijing plans to rely on a state-approved selection process, despite the current Dalai Lama insisting only his trust has the authority to identify his successor. The succession battle is expected to have major implications for Tibet, where Beijing views control of the spiritual leader’s office as key to strengthening its authority.
Critics argue the move is aimed at installing a Beijing-approved religious figure, while Tibetan leaders in exile reject any state-appointed successor. According to The Telegraph, the dispute is shaping up as one of the biggest political and religious flashpoints between China and the Tibetan movement, with both sides insisting they hold legitimate authority over the succession process.
NEWS NOW:
