China Trying to Align Tibetan Buddhism with CCP

Controlling the process of reincarnation enables Beijing to shape the spiritual leadership of Tibetan Buddhism.

- KHEDROOB THONDUP

The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has become one of the most crucial levers for China's control over Tibet. To understand why, it's essential to examine the deep religious, cultural, and political significance of this institution within Tibetan society and how Beijing perceives its connection to broader governance goals.

The Dalai Lama is not just a religious leader but also a unifying figure for Tibetans worldwide. For centuries, the Dalai Lama has embodied both spiritual guidance and political leadership, deeply intertwined with the Tibetan national identity. The current 14th Dalai Lama's international stature has enabled him to advocate for Tibetan autonomy and cultural preservation on the global stage—often in ways that conflict with Beijing's vision of Tibet as an inseparable part of China.

China views the Dalai Lama's influence, particularly among Tibetans in the diaspora and within Tibet, as a challenge to its authority. Beijing's strategy to control the selection of the next Dalai Lama is thus not only a way to manage internal dissent but also a means to ensure Tibet's integration