Sat Jul 05 19:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text followed by a news article based on it:
**Summary:**
The 14th Dalai Lama has reaffirmed that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, established by him, will have the sole authority to determine his successor’s reincarnation. This announcement, made ahead of his 90th birthday, has been welcomed by his followers but sharply criticized by China, which insists on its right to approve the next Dalai Lama, citing a Qing dynasty tradition. The Dalai Lama has indicated that his successor should be born in the “free world” and that any candidate chosen for political reasons should not be recognized. The Gaden Phodrang Trust, which has evolved from the historical administration established by the 5th Dalai Lama, is now responsible for spiritual and traditional matters, separating them from the political governance handled by the Central Tibetan Administration.
**News Article:**
**Dalai Lama Affirms Trust’s Authority on Succession, Angering China**
**Dharamshala, India – July 6, 2025** – The 14th Dalai Lama has ignited a diplomatic row with Beijing after reiterating that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, which he established, will be the sole arbiter in determining his successor. The announcement, made this week in Dharamshala ahead of his 90th birthday celebrations, has drawn a swift and critical response from the Chinese government, which claims the right to approve the next Dalai Lama based on historical precedent.
“The Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” the Dalai Lama stated, solidifying a position he first outlined in 2011.
China’s Foreign Ministry responded sharply, citing a Qing dynasty tradition involving a “Golden Urn” to select the Dalai Lama’s successor. This method, they argue, gives them a necessary role in the process.
The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since 1959 after fleeing Tibet following the Chinese annexation, established the Gaden Phodrang Trust in 2011 to separate spiritual and political power. This move handed over the welfare and governance of the Tibetan community to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The Gaden Phodrang Trust focuses on spiritual continuity and traditional matters.
Professor Samdhong Rimpoche, a respected Lama and Chairperson of the Trust, indicated that the Dalai Lama’s announcement has clarified the task ahead.
In his latest book, the Dalai Lama also stated his belief that his successor should be born in the “free world,” outside of the Tibetan Autonomous Region controlled by China. He has warned against the recognition of any candidate chosen for political purposes.
Dhundup Gyalpo, Secretary of the Bureau of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi, clarified that the Gaden Phodrang Trust referred to by the Dalai Lama is an entity based in India.
First Piper 