The Chinese government has once again claimed that they have the authority over His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s successor once again. China has even warned India not to intervene in the matter. The statement from a senior Chinese official echoed a warning that if India did not follow China’s stand on this matter, it could affect the bilateral ties.
Wang Neng Sheng, director general of the People’s Government Information Office of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China has recently told a group of visiting Indian journalists in Lhasa that the Dalai Lama’s successor should be approved by the Chinese government. The senior official has even said that the reincarnation cannot be decided by his (Dalai Lama) personal wish.
“The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is a historical, religious and political issue. There are established historical institutions and formalities for the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama,” Wang told a small group of Indian journalists in Lhasa.
“The Dalai Lama’s reincarnation is not decided by his personal wish or by some group of people living in other countries,” he added.
Another Chinese expert from a government run institution has told that the reincarnation of Dalai Lama is an important matter for China and any wise leader (India) wouldn’t intervene as it could affect their bilateral ties. However, India has earlier last year reaffirmed their stand on the Tibetan spiritual leader as an esteemed religious leader free to carry out his religious activities in India.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has recently slammed Chinese interests in his successor. He told that his successor will never come from Chinese controlled regions rather come from a free country. His Holiness has even clarified that in case you see two Dalai Lamas in the future; one from free country and one appointed by China, no body would trust the latter.