The debates
Who chooses the next Dalai Lama?
Beijing says the reincarnation must take place in China. It must follow a search in China, lot-drawing from a golden urn and approval by the central government. In March 2025 foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said reincarnations “must comply with Chinese laws and regulations.” In July 2025 she said Tibetan Buddhism “was born in China and is a religion with Chinese characteristics.” China objected when Indian minister Kiren Rijiju backed the Dalai Lama’s position.
His 2025 statement says the Gaden Phodrang Trust “has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation” and that no one else may interfere. His book says the successor will be born in the free world. India’s foreign ministry said the government takes no position on matters of faith and upholds religious freedom for all.
RFA: Dalai Lama says his successor will be born in the ‘free world’ (12 March 2025) · ThePrint: Dalai Lama says his trust has sole authority to pick his successor (2 July 2025) · THE WEEK: MEA says India does not take position on matters of religion (4 July 2025) · Business Standard: MEA clarifies it takes no position on Dalai Lama after China objection (4 July 2025) · Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Statement affirming the continuation of the institution of Dalai Lama (2 July 2025)
Autonomy or separatism?
Beijing calls him a separatist and a political exile. A 2015 State Council white paper said the Middle Way would set up “a state within state” free of central control. A 2025 white paper says lawful religious activity in Xizang is protected and that the state manages reincarnation under the law. In 2026 a Chinese embassy spokesperson said the exile administration is “not recognized by any sovereign country.” The two sides have held no formal talks since 2010.
He says he seeks genuine autonomy within China and not independence. He denies seeking to split Tibet from China. The exile administration has called China’s white papers “misinterpretation, misconceptions, and lies.” In May 2026 Sikyong Penpa Tsering said the administration remains committed to the Middle Way and will keep back-channel contacts with China.
The Diplomat: China attacks Dalai Lama in new white paper on Tibet (April 2015) · China Daily / Xinhua: White paper on human rights in Xizang (28 March 2025) · AP via WSLS: Penpa Tsering sworn in for a second term (27 May 2026) · CP24 / AP: China criticizes decision to award a Grammy to the Dalai Lama (2 February 2026) · Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: The Middle-Way Approach · Tibet Rights Collective: CTA rejects China’s white paper on Tibet (November 2023) · Wikipedia: 14th Dalai Lama
The 2023 video with a boy
In April 2023 a clip spread online from an event in Dharamsala earlier that year. A boy asked for a hug. The Dalai Lama kissed him on the lips and said “And suck my tongue.” Many viewers called it abusive. The Delhi child rights group Haq said: “This video is certainly not about any cultural expression.”
His office said he “wishes to apologize to the boy and his family” and “for the hurt his words may have caused.” It said he often teases people in an innocent and playful way even before cameras. It said “He regrets the incident.” Some Tibetans defended him as playful.
Buddhistdoor Global: Dalai Lama apologizes for conduct with young boy (April 2023)
Remarks on a female successor
In a BBC interview in 2019 he said a woman could succeed him. He added: “If female Dalai Lama comes, then she should be more attractive.” The remark drew wide criticism. He had first spoken of a possible female successor in 2015.
His office said he “is deeply sorry that people have been hurt by what he said and offers his sincere apologies.”
Dawn / AFP: Dalai Lama ‘deeply sorry’ for comments on women (2 July 2019) · Wikipedia: 14th Dalai Lama
The Shugden dispute
Followers of the deity Dorje Shugden have protested at his events abroad. The International Shugden Community called him a dictator. Members said they faced job loss and expulsion from monasteries because of their practice. Columbia scholar Robert Thurman has said the group is backed by Beijing. Its spokesman denied outside funding.
His office says he has advised against Shugden worship since the 1980s as “a matter of counsel only.” It says there has never been a ban and that “the Dalai Lamas have no legal authority over any lama or monk whatsoever.” It cites Amnesty International and India’s National Human Rights Commission as finding the claims without foundation.
Religion News Service: Protesters denounce Dalai Lama as ‘dictator’ (6 March 2014) · Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Response to Shugden protestor allegations
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