Fact Check: China Claims Authority Over the Succession of the Dalai Lama
What We Know
The Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, recently reaffirmed that the authority to select his successor lies exclusively with his foundation, the Gaden Phodrang Trust, and that no external party, including the Chinese government, has the right to interfere in this process. In a statement made during a gathering in Dharamshala, India, he emphasized that the search for his reincarnation will be conducted in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist traditions, explicitly contradicting China's claims that it must approve the next Dalai Lama (Washington Post, NPR).
China's Foreign Ministry reiterated its stance that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must be sanctioned by the central government, stating that Tibetan Buddhism is a religion with "Chinese characteristics" (Washington Post). This claim is part of a broader strategy by the Chinese Communist Party to exert control over Tibetan Buddhism and its leaders, a practice that has been ongoing since the annexation of Tibet in 1951 (NPR).
Analysis
The Dalai Lama's assertion that his successor will be chosen by his foundation directly contradicts the Chinese government's claims. The Chinese authorities argue that they have the legal right to oversee the selection of high-ranking lamas, including the Dalai Lama, as outlined in legislation passed in 2007 (New York Times). This law mandates that the search for reincarnated lamas must occur within China and that the government has the final say in recognizing them.
The reliability of the sources reporting on this issue is generally high. The Washington Post and NPR are established news organizations known for their rigorous journalistic standards. They provide detailed accounts of the Dalai Lama's statements and the Chinese government's responses, allowing for a balanced view of the situation. However, it is important to note that the Chinese government's statements may be influenced by political motivations, as they seek to maintain control over Tibetan culture and religion (Reuters).
Experts in Tibetan studies, such as Robert Barnett from SOAS University of London, suggest that the Dalai Lama's refusal to acknowledge Chinese authority over the succession process is a significant political statement that could provoke a strong reaction from Beijing (Washington Post). The Dalai Lama's approach reflects a long-standing resistance to Chinese control and an assertion of Tibetan identity and autonomy.
Conclusion
The claim that "China claims authority over the succession of the Dalai Lama" is True. The Dalai Lama has explicitly stated that the authority to select his successor lies with his foundation, rejecting any interference from the Chinese government, which insists it must approve the next Dalai Lama. This ongoing dispute highlights the broader tensions between Tibetan autonomy and Chinese governmental control over religious practices.
