Recently, media reports have addressed the issue of the reincarnation of Living Buddhas in China. Tibetan Buddhism, like other religions in the world, follows its own established traditions for selecting spiritual leaders. Succession must adhere to these practices and remain free from manipulation by any individual or specific group.

As a unique succession method of Tibetan Buddhism, the practice of Living Buddha reincarnation has continued over 700 years. The lineage of the Dalai Lamas originated and developed in China’s Tibet region, where Tibetan Buddhism itself traces its roots and evolved into its distinct traditions. Throughout history, the conferral of titles and the granting of seals by the central authorities of imperial dynasties were crucial for the Dalai Lama to obtain legitimacy and related rights. The 14th Dalai Lama was enthroned only after receiving the approval of the then central government of China in 1940.

The search for and identification of the reincarnated soul boy are carried out by monasteries and Buddhist organizations in strict accordance with religious traditions. The Chinese government  respects and protects the traditional of Living Buddha reincarnation and does not directly identifying a reincarnated soul boy or interfere in internal religious affairs.

The so called “Tibetan government-in-exile” is an organized separatist political group with a platform and agenda for “Tibet independence”. Its legitimacy is not recognized by any country in the world, nor is it accepted by the vast majority of Tibetan Buddhists in China. The manipulation of reincarnation for political purposes by separatist forces is widely opposed by the majority of religious believers in China, who view such actions as a distortion of sacred traditions and a violation of religious integrity.