Beijing: The Chinese government announced on Wednesday that the successor of the Dalai Lama, the prominent Buddhist religious leader, must receive government approval. This announcement underscores China's longstanding influence over Tibetan religious affairs.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized at a news conference in Beijing that the reincarnation of the living Buddha is a unique Tibetan Buddhist succession tradition that has persisted for over 700 years. Mao Ning stated that the reincarnation process for the Dalai Lama, the Panchen Lama, and other Grand Living Buddhas must involve the golden urn lot-drawing procedure and receive approval from the central government.

The statement from Beijing followed remarks by the 14th Dalai Lama, who announced on the same day that his successor would be determined by his Ganden Phodrang Trust. Mao Ning reiterated that the Chinese government regulates the reincarnation of living Buddhas to maintain the tradition within the legal framework.

Tenzin Gyatso, known as the 14th Dalai Lama, has been embroiled in controversies, including an incident in 2023 where he asked a student to "suck my tongue," which led to public backlash.

The Tibetan Plateau, often referred to as the "roof of the world," spans approximately 2.5 million square kilometers with an average elevation of about 14,370 feet. China's control over Tibet was solidified in 1951 through the 17-Point Agreement, labeled as a "peaceful liberation" by China. Following a failed rebellion against Chinese authority in 1959, the Dalai Lama sought refuge in Dharamsala, northern India, where he established the Tibetan parliament and government in exile.