China rejected the Nobel Peace laureate’s succession plan, insisting that any future heir must receive its seal of approval, adding a new chapter to Tibetan Buddhism’s decades-long struggle with the Chinese ruling Communist Party.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama, the second-high priest of Tibetan Buddhism, has to go through the centuries-old tradition of the ‘Golden Urn’ law procedure started by the 18th century Qing dynasty.”The Dalai Lama’s reincarnation must follow the principles of domestic recognition, the ‘Golden Urn’ process, and approval by the central government, in line with religious traditions and laws,” she told a media briefing in Beijing while responding to the Dalai Lama’s announcement.Meanwhile, India on Friday said it neither takes a position nor comments on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion, responding to the Dalai Lama’s recent statement, which drew sharp reaction from Beijing.“We have seen reports relating to the statement made by the Dalai Lama about the continuation of the Dalai Lama institution. The Government of India does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.“The Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so,” he further said.The Dalai Lama caught the attention of the world following his high-profile defection to India in 1959 with a large group of Tibetans after the Chinese military under the command of Communist Party founder Mao Zedong took over Tibet.Since then, he made Dharamshala his “adopted” home, which drew the ire of Beijing and his presence there continued to be a bone of contention between China and India, and the struggle for Tibetan autonomy may have to be continued by his successor.His successor issue is also expected to flare up fresh tensions between Beijing and Washington as China’s policy comes in conflict with the US Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020, which reaffirmed America’s steadfast support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism.The Dalai Lama is revered by Tibetan Buddhists as a living manifestation of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion.
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