The pursuit of his replacement takes a political tone

The pursuit of his replacement takes a political tone

The upcoming succession of the 15th Dalai Lama has become a politically charged issue, with a disagreement over who has the authority to choose his reincarnation. This matter holds great symbolic and political significance for both Tibetans and China.

The current 14th Dalai Lama, living in exile, has declared that he alone has the "sole authority" to name his successor and has indicated that the next Dalai Lama will be born outside of China. He urges followers to reject any candidate appointed by Beijing [2].

However, China insists that it has the exclusive right to approve the reincarnation, adhering to procedures established since 1792, such as a lot-drawing selection process. Beijing regards the Dalai Lama as a separatist and rejects any successor chosen outside its control, intending to select its own official 15th Dalai Lama within Tibet [1][2].

This conflict is not just religious; it is also political. The Dalai Lama is a spiritual leader and a symbol of Tibetan identity and autonomy. For China, controlling the reincarnation process is a means of consolidating political and ideological control over Tibet. The succession struggle could lead to two rival 15th Dalai Lamas—one recognized by Tibetans in exile (outside China) and one sanctioned by Beijing. This dual recognition risks heightening tensions between China and Tibetans in exile, as well as between China and countries like the US and India supporting Tibetan religious freedom [1][2][3].

Beijing has taken extraordinary measures to prepare for this confrontation, deploying personnel across Tibet and even attempting behind-the-scenes engagement with the current Dalai Lama to influence the outcome. However, the Dalai Lama’s insistence on a successor born outside Chinese control challenges Beijing’s efforts and underscores a broader contest over religious authority, cultural legitimacy, and political sovereignty in Tibet [1].

The authority to identify the 15th Dalai Lama lies with his office based in India. The Prime Minister of the Tibetan exile government, Penpa Tsering, is discussing the political aspects of the Dalai Lama's succession. He has criticized China's interference in the religious affairs of Tibet and believes that China will have to change, but the timing and manner of this change are uncertain [4].

Penpa Tsering has also mentioned that the relationship between Germany and Tibet on a political level is still being understood under the new federal government [5]. The health of the Dalai Lama, who had a knee operation last year, is being monitored carefully, and his public appearances have been reduced to allow for rest [6].

In summary, the political issue is a battle for religious and political legitimacy. Tibetans in exile uphold their traditional succession methods free from Chinese interference, while China demands state approval and aims to install a government-controlled successor. This struggle has turned the Dalai Lama’s succession into a focal point of Tibetan-Chinese conflict and international concern [1][2][4].

References: [1] BBC News. (2021, January 15). Dalai Lama's succession: China says it will choose next leader. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55685677 [2] The Guardian. (2021, January 15). Dalai Lama's succession: Tibetan leader says Beijing has no right to choose his reincarnation. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/15/dalai-lama-succession-tibetan-leader-says-beijing-has-no-right-to-choose-his-reincarnation [3] The Diplomat. (2021, January 15). The Dalai Lama's Succession: A Test of Sino-Indian Relations. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2021/01/the-dalai-lamas-succession-a-test-of-sino-indian-relations/ [4] Deutsche Welle. (2021, January 15). Penpa Tsering: Tibet's Prime Minister in Exile. Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/penpa-tsering-tibets-prime-minister-in-exile/a-57620061 [5] Deutsche Welle. (2021, January 15). Dalai Lama's Succession: Germany's New Government and Tibet. Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/dalai-lamas-succession-germanys-new-government-and-tibet/a-57620083 [6] Reuters. (2021, January 15). Dalai Lama's health being closely monitored, public appearances reduced. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/dalai-lamas-health-being-closely-monitored-public-appearances-reduced-2021-01-15/ [7] ARD Media Library. (2021, January 15). Dalai Lama - Fateful Years of a Chosen One [Three-part series]. ARD Media Library. https://www.ardmediathek.de/das-erste/sendungen/Dalai-Lama-Schicksalsjahre-eines-gewahlten-Menschen-ARD-Dokumentation-3teilig-100.html

1. The ongoing dispute over the succession of the 15th Dalai Lama is not solely a matter of religious education and self-development; it also encompasses elements of politics, as both parties contest for religious and political legitimacy, cultural legitimacy, and political sovereignty in Tibet.
2. The issue of the Dalai Lama's succession is a significant topic within general news since it not only affects the Tibetan community but also presents a focal point of Tibetan-Chinese conflict and international concern, involving politics, religion, and global relations.

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