Communism or Dalai Lama: Who will outlast whom? Tibetan leader poses question to China

The future of the Tibet issue hinges on a curious question: will communism outlive the Dalai Lama, or vice versa? This provocative thought was posed by Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong, or political leader, of the Central Tibetan Administration. His remarks came in response to China's alleged assumption that the Tibetan cause will fade with the death of the current spiritual leader.

Tsering directly challenged China's assertion during an interactive event in New Delhi. He accused Beijing of attempting to usurp the right to select the next Dalai Lama, stating, "Chinese are not given the right; they are snatching the right to choose the next Dalai Lama... China wants to control everything." He echoed the 14th Dalai Lama's sentiment that his successor "will be born in the free world."

“

Chinese are not given the right; they are snatching the right to choose the next Dalai Lama... China wants to control everything.

The Sikyong, whose government-in-exile is based in Dharamshala, India, where the 90-year-old Dalai Lama also resides, expressed strong criticism of China's policies impacting Tibet. He argued that China's assumption that the Tibet issue will die with the Dalai Lama is flawed, especially since the spiritual leader is "committed to live long and perhaps for 130 years."

"So, I send that message to the Chinese. You, who are waiting for the Dalai Lama to die.... And the Dalai Lama is committed to live long. So, we will have to see whether communism outlives His Holiness Dalai Lama or whether His Holiness outlives communism," Tsering declared. He added that China has "never used the tools" capable of winning the hearts and trust of Tibetans.

“

You, who are waiting for the Dalai Lama to die.... And the Dalai Lama is committed to live long. So, we will have to see whether communism outlives His Holiness Dalai Lama or whether His Holiness outlives communism.