New Dehli: The Dalai Lama confirmed his successor would be born outside China, challenging Beijing’s claim over Tibet’s spiritual leadership.
In his new book Voice for the Voiceless, he writes that his reincarnation will occur in the “free world.”
Previously, he had only hinted that his successor might be born outside Tibet, possibly in India.
This declaration marks the first time he has directly ruled out China as the birthplace.
Tibetans worldwide have urged him to ensure the continuation of the Dalai Lama lineage.
China’s Opposition
Beijing insists it has the right to choose the next Dalai Lama, but he says China’s pick won’t be respected.
China considers him a separatist and denounces his influence on Tibet’s independence movement.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed his statements as anti-China propaganda.
China claims Tibet is thriving under its rule, rejecting any discussion of independence.
Last month, Beijing suggested talks with him if he recognized Tibet and Taiwan as parts of China.
Fleeing Tibet
At age 23, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
He and thousands of Tibetans settled in India, where he leads the government-in-exile.
The 14th Dalai Lama won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for promoting Tibet’s cause nonviolently.
His book details his seven decades of dealings with Chinese leaders and their stance on Tibet.
He states that China’s repression continues, but Tibetans’ fight for freedom will persist.
Supporters and Tradition
Supporters of the Dalai Lama include actor Richard Gere and former U.S. Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
He says he has received numerous petitions urging him to ensure the Dalai Lama lineage continues.
Tibetan tradition holds that a senior monk’s soul reincarnates in a child after their death.
He was identified as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama when he was two years old.
He plans to announce details about his succession by his 90th birthday in July.
Uncertain Return
The Dalai Lama doubts he will ever return to Tibet due to his advanced age.
He trusts the Tibetan parliament-in-exile in Dharamshala to continue political efforts.
He asserts that Tibetans’ right to govern their homeland cannot be denied forever.
His book will be published in the U.S. by William Morrow and in the U.K. by HarperNonFiction.
The campaign for Tibetan freedom will continue even after his passing.
