China’s Rogue Status Shines in Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday Event

Geopolitics Casts Long Shadow on 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday Celebrations

By MANISH ANAND

NEW DELHI, July 7, 2025 — The question of “what next after the 14th Dalai Lama” hogged the limelight amid festive celebrations of his 90th birthday in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. China retained its role as the principal villain, as Tibetans across the world celebrated the 90th birthday of the Nobel Peace Laureate.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, himself set the backdrop for global attention on China’s interference in the affairs of Tibetan Buddhists. In a statement ahead of his birthday, he affirmed that the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue.

China was quick to assert a role in the reincarnation process of the next Dalai Lama. The Communist government claimed that the ‘Golden Urn’ ritual would be essential in confirming the next Dalai Lama. In a direct rebuttal, the 14th Dalai Lama stated that his successor could be born anywhere, undermining China’s authority in the matter.

The U.S. State Department, in unequivocal support of the 14th Dalai Lama, warned against any interference in the religious affairs of Tibetan Buddhists. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has long maintained a pro-Tibet stance.

The presence of Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu at the celebrations sent a strong message to China, deterring it from meddling in the religious affairs related to the Dalai Lama.

However, geopolitical experts noted that the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lama is not just a religious matter but also a deeply political one. It is directly linked to the Tibetan assertion of freedom from Chinese rule.

The New York Times, in a detailed feature, quoted Tenzin Thupten, 51, a monk who fled Tibet in the 1980s, as saying: “The Dalai Lama has been consistent about why the Chinese Communist Party has no right to influence a decision over his reincarnation. If they don’t believe in God or religion, who will believe their choice?”

The Guardian, in its report, noted that “Modi’s effusive support is significant.” The daily highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message, read out by Rijiju: “He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience, and moral discipline.”

The publication also referred to the India-China standoff following the Galwan clash as the backdrop to Modi’s message.

Commentators such as India’s former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran have remarked that both New Delhi and Beijing may face a growing challenge when the question of “what next after the 14th Dalai Lama” becomes more urgent.

Western media coverage also spotlighted the Dalai Lama’s growing influence among elites in the United States, which could translate into greater political backing. Former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama were among those who commemorated the occasion, reflecting the spiritual leader’s enduring global stature.

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About The Author

Manish Anand

Manish Anand is a senior journalist with more than two decades of hardcore reporting on beats such as Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, BJP, Congress, Planning Commission, NITI Aayog, and scores of Union Ministries.

His past has been with The New Indian Express, The Asian Age/Deccan Chronicle, and The Statesman.

For about 15 years, Manish was also a regular commentator and host for talks on AIR on foreign affairs.

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