• 29 Jul, 2025
 
• Admin
 

China Must Not Interfere in the Reincarnation of the Dalai Lama

As the 14th Dalai Lama turned 90 on 7 July 2025, a group of 34 members of the European Parliament—including representatives from S&D, EPP, Greens, The Left, and Renew Europe—issued a powerful opinion: the EU should categorically oppose any interference by the Chinese government in selecting the Dalai Lama’s successor.

A Matter of Religious Freedom and Global Implications

The Dalai Lama is more than Tibetan spiritual leader—he’s a global emblem of peace, compassion, and human dignity. If any government is allowed to dictate spiritual succession, it sets a dangerous global precedent. The EU must defend the Tibetan Buddhist community’s right to choose their religious leaders, free from state control.

Beijing’s Political Strategy

China has taken steps to control the process of reincarnation by making it subject to national laws, particularly through the “golden urn” system. This is viewed not as a religious matter but political maneuvering—designed to legitimize the Chinese state’s authority over Tibet.

Building Momentum in Europe

• In June 2024, during the 39th EU‑China Human Rights Dialogue, the EU reaffirmed that selecting religious leaders should occur without government interference—including in the Dalai Lama’s succession EUobserver.
• On 8 May 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution explicitly opposing China’s involvement in the reincarnation process of Tibetan Buddhist leaders.

What EU Lawmakers Are Calling For

The MEPs urged the EU to:

• Declare support for the Dalai Lama’s authority to select his successor according to Tibetan religious tradition.
• Condemn any Chinese interference in the succession process.
• Consider sanctioning Chinese officials involved in interference under the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (European Magnitsky Act).

Why It Matters

The Dalai Lama promotes dialogue over division, and reconciliation over revenge. Tibetan Buddhism’s central tradition is at stake—not only for Tibetans but for how the world upholds religious freedom. Allowing state-sanctioned manipulation of religious succession is as true a challenge to international human rights as it is to Tibetan cultural survival.

As the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday marks a milestone in his legacy, the international community faces a decision: will we stand by with silence or protect values of peace, religious autonomy, and mutual respect?