Mon Jul 07 07:09:05 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Dalai Lama Turns 90, Addresses Succession Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

**Dharamsala, India – July 7, 2025** – The Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, marked his 90th birthday on Sunday with festivities and prayer ceremonies in Dharamsala and Tibetan communities worldwide. While celebrations were underway, the Dalai Lama issued a highly anticipated statement addressing the critical issue of his succession, a matter closely watched by China, India, and the United States.

The Dalai Lama declared that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, not the Chinese government, would be the “sole authority” in recognizing his successor. This statement asserts his belief in reincarnation and sets the stage for consultations with Tibetan leaders, the Tibetan Government in Exile, and other stakeholders to determine the process.

Beijing swiftly responded, reiterating its claim to approve the next Dalai Lama, citing a 2007 law mandating its authority. This stance directly contradicts the Dalai Lama’s declaration and remains unaccepted by the Tibetan community.

India, in its initial official statement, maintained a neutral position, stating that the government “does not take any position” on such religious issues. However, India’s continued support for the Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in Dharamsala, positions them in potential opposition to China’s ambitions.

This succession announcement adds another layer of complexity to the already delicate relationship between India and China, potentially hindering their recent efforts to normalize relations. The Dalai Lama’s statement places the responsibility for recognizing the 15th Dalai Lama squarely on the shoulders of the Gaden Phodrang Trust, following a process he will outline in written instructions.

**Meanwhile, on the International Stage:**

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that a Gaza hostage release and ceasefire deal with Hamas was likely to be reached. This comes after Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed at least 38 Palestinians as Israel sends a negotiating team to Qatar. The proposed deal includes a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the partial release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid. President Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the matter further.

**In other news from the region:**

* The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has resumed after a six-year hiatus due to improved India-China ties.
* Germany is opening its doors to skilled migration due to an ageing population and labor shortage.
* A report on Rafael Grossi, the nuclear policeman, and an analysis of the India-China collusion.

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