China Asserts Sovereignty Over Dalai Lama Reincarnation

China's Ambassador to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, published an article in Rossiyskaya Gazeta on July 1, 2025, in which he emphasized that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is an internal Chinese affair and should not be manipulated by individuals or groups. The Chinese government has a strict set of religious rituals and historical customs for the Living Buddha reincarnation system, which has been developed over 700 years. The article rejects the Dalai Lama's claim that he will be reincarnated abroad and highlights the Chinese government's policy of freedom of religious belief. The article also emphasizes that the Chinese government implements a policy of freedom of religious belief and has promulgated the "Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism." The Chinese government asserts that Tibetan affairs are purely China's internal affairs, concerning China's core interests, and no external forces are allowed to interfere.

Key Takeaways:

• The Chinese government has a strict set of religious rituals and historical customs for the Living Buddha reincarnation system, developed over 700 years.
• The Dalai Lama's reincarnation has been defined by centuries of historical customs and laws and regulations, and should not be manipulated by individuals or groups.
• The Chinese government rejects the Dalai Lama's claim that he will be reincarnated abroad, stating that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama must be searched within China.
• The Chinese government has a policy of freedom of religious belief and has promulgated the "Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism."
• The Dalai Lama clique has been attempting to mislead international understanding on the issue of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation.
• The Tibetan Autonomous Region has witnessed tremendous development achievements in the past 60 years under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
• The Chinese government asserts that Tibetan affairs are purely China's internal affairs, concerning China's core interests, and no external forces are allowed to interfere.

Statistics:

• Over 700 years of development of the Living Buddha reincarnation system.
• 100+ Living Buddhas have completed their reincarnation in accordance with religious rituals, historical customs, and laws and regulations since the promulgation of the "Measures" in 2007.
• 60 years of the establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Sources:

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China: "On July 1, 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui published a signed article in Rossiyskaya Gazeta entitled "The Dalai Lama's Reincarnation Is Not a Matter for Manipulation; Tibet's Development Prospects Are Certainly Bright.""
• Original Press Release: July 1 -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China issued the following news release.