The Dalai Lama, in a pre-recorded video, announced plans for his succession, emphasizing that the process will follow tradition and that no outside entity, particularly China, will interfere. China claims the right to appoint the next Dalai Lama, a claim refuted by the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhists who believe in reincarnation. The Dalai Lama has hinted that his successor may be born outside of China and could even be a woman. This announcement comes amidst ongoing tensions between China and the Tibetan government-in-exile, marked by political and economic pressures on the Tibetan community.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.