In a strong objection to Chinese interest in recognizing the reincarnation of the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, a US senator has explained that the Congress will never recognize China’s choice of the next Dalai Lama. He affirmed the US congress will only follow instructions laid by the present Dalai Lama.
Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Asia Subcommittee said at a subcommittee hearing that the US congress will never recognize a Chinese appoint reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“Let me be very clear: The United States Congress will never recognize a Dalai Lama that is selected by the Chinese,” Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) said at hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Asia Subcommittee, a key Congressional body that oversees US policy in Asia.
Gardner in strong rejection of China’s authority over the reincarnation of His Holiness, added “His Holiness has laid out [his] succession. Only then will the US follow that succession.”
Over the recent past, China has expressed their interest as well as authority in the recognition of the next Dalai Lama. The Tibetan spiritual leader has also clarified that “in case you see two Dalai Lamas come, one from here, in free country [India], one chosen by Chinese, then nobody will trust, nobody will respect [the one chosen by China].”