Beijing: The Chinese Foreign Ministry has strongly criticized the Dalai Lama after the Tibetan spiritual leader claimed in his new book, Voice for the Voiceless, that his successor would be born outside China. The statement has reignited tensions between Beijing and the exiled Tibetan leader, who has long advocated for Tibet’s autonomy and cultural preservation.
Addressing the Dalai Lama’s remarks, China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson declared, “He has no right to represent the people of Tibet. Reincarnations of the living Buddha, including the Dalai Lama, should abide by the regulations of the country.”
China insists that the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including the Dalai Lama, must be approved by the Chinese government, emphasizing that such decisions fall under state control.
China Labels Dalai Lama a ‘Political Exile’
During a press conference on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry lashed out at the Tibetan spiritual leader, calling him “a political exile who is engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the cloak of religion.”
The ministry also dismissed the Dalai Lama’s views, stating that they would not impact China’s policies in Tibet.
Beijing has consistently maintained that it holds the authority to appoint the next Dalai Lama, an assertion that Tibetan Buddhists worldwide and the Dalai Lama himself have rejected.
Dalai Lama’s Stance on His Successor
The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has remained firm in his stance that any successor appointed by China will not be recognized by the Tibetan community.
In Voice for the Voiceless, he asserts that his reincarnation “would be born in a free world, outside China.”
This declaration aligns with his earlier statements that the next Tibetan Buddhist leader could emerge from India, where he has lived in exile since 1959 after fleeing Tibet following a failed uprising against Mao Zedong’s communist regime.
Call for Tibetan Autonomy
In his book, the Dalai Lama reaffirms the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination and warns against China’s continued suppression of Tibet.
“The right of the Tibetan people to be the custodians of their own homeland cannot be indefinitely denied, nor can their aspiration for freedom be crushed forever through oppression,” he writes.
He further cautions Beijing, saying, “One clear lesson we know from history is this: if you keep people permanently unhappy, you cannot have a stable society.”
China-Tibet Tensions Remain High
The Dalai Lama’s remarks have further escalated tensions between China and Tibetan exiles. Beijing continues to assert total control over Tibet, while the Dalai Lama and his followers advocate for cultural and religious freedom.
With China determined to select the next Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan spiritual leader vowing to prevent Beijing’s interference, the battle over Tibet’s future spiritual leadership is set to continue on the global stage.
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