**Dalai Lama Announces Succession Plan Amidst Controversy**

**In a historic video message, the Dalai Lama declared that his successor will be chosen by a trust he established, reaffirming the tradition of reincarnation amidst tensions with Beijing.**

In a significant announcement coinciding with the celebrations for his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama has confirmed he will have a successor, dispelling uncertainty surrounding the future of this 600-year-old institution. In a heartfelt video message delivered from Dharamshala, India, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader stated that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust could appoint his successor, insisting that "no one else has any authority to interfere in this matter."

According to Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama is believed to be reincarnated after death, a process that has sparked intense discussions, especially given the Dalai Lama's exile since China’s annexation of Tibet in the 1950s. The announcement drew mixed reactions in light of the Chinese government's assertion that any successor must be appointed within China and sanctioned by its authorities.

The Dalai Lama’s statement was greeted with enthusiasm at the Dalai Lama Library and Archive, where hundreds of devoted followers, including many monks, gathered to witness this crucial moment. "I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue," he declared, ensuring that the procedures for identifying his successor will honor longstanding traditions. The festive atmosphere was palpable as dignitaries and celebrities, including actor Richard Gere, participated in the week-long celebrations.

Previously, the Dalai Lama had expressed uncertainty regarding whether the institution would persist, suggesting that a girl could be his successor, or that there might be none at all. However, with the prevailing desire among Tibetans in exile for the institution to continue, he ultimately decided to reinforce its legacy, reiterating the geographical requirement that his successor must be born outside of China.

Beijing has responded critically, emphasizing that the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process must comply with Chinese laws and is under its jurisdiction. Observers note that although the Dalai Lama has advocated for a moderate approach regarding Tibet's status within China, the Chinese authorities regard him as a separatist, culminating in a clash over the legitimacy and authority associated with the succession.

Comments from attendees reflect a collective sense of relief and pride following the announcement. Tsayang Gyatso, a businessman and follower, expressed elation upon hearing the Dalai Lama ensure the continuation of the institution, while a noted Tibet scholar highlighted the message as a subtle contestation to Chinese authority concerning the succession.

Despite this, concerns remain about China's potential plans to appoint its own Dalai Lama. Experts suggest that after a time, Beijing may designate and promote a boy as the new Dalai Lama, a move expected to face rejection from the Tibetan community and the global public. Youdon Aukatsang, a Tibetan MP in exile, emphasized that any Dalai Lama recognized solely by China would lack legitimacy among the Tibetan people and not be accepted widely.

As the Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations progress, the future of his legacy and the Tibetan identity continue to unfold against a backdrop of geopolitical tension and cultural significance.