Wed Jul 02 04:57:04 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:

**Dalai Lama Asserts Trust Will Determine Successor, Defying China**

**Dharamsala, July 2, 2025** – The 14th Dalai Lama has declared that the succession plan for his reincarnation will be determined by the Gaden Phodrang Trust, not the Chinese government. This announcement, made during celebrations of his 90th birthday, marks a clear stance against Beijing’s claims of authority over the selection process.

The Dalai Lama stated that the Trust will consult with Tibetan Buddhist leaders, the Tibetan Government in Exile, and other stakeholders to identify his successor, following traditional methods of recognizing reincarnations.

China swiftly responded, reiterating its position that any succession must be approved by the Central Government, citing a 2007 law mandating its authority. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to follow Chinese laws and historical traditions.

India, while maintaining that the Dalai Lama is an “honored guest,” has not officially responded to the statement. Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju is expected to attend the Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations.

The Dalai Lama’s statement builds on a 2011 declaration where he separated the political and spiritual leadership of the Tibetan movement and suggested the possibility of ending the institution of the Dalai Lama. He emphasized in both statements that outside parties, particularly “Chinese communists,” should not interfere in the reincarnation process. The U.S. government has also opposed China’s claim, asserting that the succession is a purely religious matter. The debate over the Dalai Lama’s successor continues to be a point of contention between the Tibetan community, China, and the international community.

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