Tibetan exile leaders in Dharamshala strongly endorsed the Dalai Lama’s announcement, framing it as a critical stand against Beijing’s interference in religious affairs. They emphasized that no Chinese-appointed successor would ever be accepted by the Tibetan community or the global Buddhist faithful.
BY PC Bureau
July 3, 2025 — In a historic move, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, announced on July 2, 2025, at a three-day religious conference in Dharamshala, that his successor will be chosen by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit he founded in 2015—explicitly rejecting China’s authority over the reincarnation process.
The declaration, made just days before his 90th birthday on July 6, has sparked a wave of reactions from Tibetan exile leaders and global powers, highlighting the intense spiritual and geopolitical stakes surrounding the future of Tibetan Buddhism’s most revered institution.
Tibetan leaders in exile, based in Dharamshala, celebrated the announcement as a bold step to safeguard their spiritual and cultural heritage. They united in condemning China’s attempts to control the succession process and affirmed the Gaden Phodrang Trust’s sole authority.
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Penpa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), hailed the decision as a victory for Tibetan autonomy, stating:
“We strongly condemn the People’s Republic of China’s use of reincarnation for political gain and will never accept it. The Gaden Phodrang Trust ensures our spiritual identity remains free.”
— @SikyongPT; Reuters, July 2, 2025
Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior official of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, clarified that detailed succession plans would remain undisclosed for now:
“His Holiness is in good health, and further instructions will come when necessary. This decision reflects decades of consultation with Tibetans who wish to preserve the institution.”
— The New York Times, July 2, 2025
Activist Chemi Lhamo called the announcement a direct challenge to Beijing, declaring:
“The Dalai Lama institution will continue to serve humanity. This sends a clear message to reject China’s role in identifying the future leader. The world will not recognize their puppet.”
— @chemi_lhamo; NDTV, July 2, 2025
Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari, a member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, urged a stronger stance:
“It’s time the Sikyong becomes more vigorous. If China ignores our autonomy memorandum, we will shift to self-determination.”
— @Tibparliament; NPR, July 2, 2025
Youdon Aukatsang, another parliamentarian, told the BBC:
“Beijing has failed to control Tibetan hearts and minds. A Chinese-chosen Dalai Lama will lack legitimacy among Tibetans and globally.”
— @Tibparliament; BBC News, July 2, 2025
Poet and activist Tenzin Tsundue described the announcement as “a punch in the face” for China, warning:
“The Dalai Lama’s 65 years in exile have fueled pain and frustration among Tibetans inside Tibet. Chinese interference could spark unrest.”
— @TenzinTsundue; The New York Times, July 2, 2025
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Tenzin Nyima, General Secretary of the Tibetan Women’s Association, expressed jubilation:
“We are happy. The world supports His Holiness’s decision to entrust the Gaden Phodrang Trust, ensuring our traditions remain free from political manipulation.”
— @TibWomen; ANI, July 2, 2025
Former CTA President Lobsang Sangay called it a “positive development,” asserting:
“China has no credibility. The Dalai Lama’s word is final for Tibetans and the global Buddhist community.”
— @Lobsang_Sangay; CNN-News18, July 2, 2025
Global Leaders Respond
The announcement has drawn sharp responses from world leaders, reflecting a spectrum of support for Tibetan religious freedom and cautious diplomacy amid tensions with China.
China: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected the Dalai Lama’s authority, stating:
“The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must comply with Chinese laws, regulations, and the Golden Urn ritual, with central government approval.”
— Reuters, July 2, 2025
Beijing’s stance, rooted in a 2007 decree, raises fears of a rival Dalai Lama, echoing the 1995 Panchen Lama controversy.
Warmly welcoming the reaffirmation by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the continuation of the sacred institution of the Dalai Lama.
This decision brings immense joy and spiritual reassurance to millions across the Himalayan region and the world. The deep-rooted faith and… https://t.co/ZaGXxgx9Hj
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) July 2, 2025
India: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu voiced strong support on X:
“Warmly welcoming the reaffirmation by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on the continuation of the sacred institution. This brings immense joy to millions across the Himalayan region and the world.”
— @PemaKhanduBJP; The Week, July 2, 2025
India’s position was reinforced by a March 2025 declaration from 46 MPs, affirming the Dalai Lama’s sole right to choose his successor.
— BBC News, July 2, 2025
United States: A U.S. State Department spokesperson declared:
“We call on China to cease interference in the Dalai Lama’s succession and respect religious freedom for all, per the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020.”
— Reuters, July 2, 2025
United Kingdom: Tibet scholar Robert Barnett, speaking to the BBC, noted:
“The Dalai Lama is signaling his reincarnation is decided through community consent, not Chinese coercion—underscoring his legitimacy.”
— BBC News, July 2, 2025
Japan: Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa offered cautious support:
“Japan respects the religious and cultural autonomy of the Tibetan people and hopes for a resolution that upholds their traditions.”
— NHK World, July 2, 2025
Canada: Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly affirmed:
“Canada condemns any attempt to undermine Tibetan religious freedoms. The Dalai Lama’s decision reflects the will of his community.”
— Global Affairs Canada, July 2, 2025
Australia: Foreign Minister Penny Wong called for restraint:
“We urge all parties to respect Tibetan religious and cultural rights and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.”
— ABC News Australia, July 2, 2025
🙏 Days ahead of his 90th birthday, the 14th #DalaiLama assured his followers that the 600-year-old institution will continue after his death.
He was forced to live most of his life in #exile in #India after #China annexed #Tibet in 1950. pic.twitter.com/gIjO19ntKY
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) July 2, 2025
A High-Stakes Future
Shared via the Dalai Lama’s official X account (@DalaiLama), the announcement has galvanized Tibetan exiles and global allies, positioning Dharamshala as the epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism’s future.
However, China’s insistence on controlling the succession process raises the specter of dual Dalai Lamas, echoing the unresolved 1995 Panchen Lama dispute. As Tibetan leaders rally behind the Gaden Phodrang Trust—and nations like India, the U.S., and Canada voice support—the stage is set for a contentious and deeply consequential battle over the 15th Dalai Lama, with profound implications for Tibetan identity, global religious freedom, and Sino-global relations.
