China: Reincarnation of Dalai Lama should follow Chinese law

The reincarnation system for the living Buddhas should follow CHINESE laws and regulations, religious rituals and conventions, CHINESE Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Tuesday in response to a question regarding the reincarnation of the 14th Dalai Lama.

The living Buddha reincarnation system is unique to Tibetan Buddhism with integrated religious rituals and historical conventions, said Geng at the ministry's regular press conference.

According to him, the reincarnation system for the living Buddhas has been in existence for several centuries. The succession of the 14th Dalai Lama was even conducted in accordance with the religious rituals and historical practices, and was approved by the then central government, Geng added.

Geng also stressed that China respects the inheritance system and has adopted policieson freedom of religious belief to protect the tradition.

China enacted the New Regulations on Religious Affairs and the Rules on the Management of Reincarnation of Tibetan living Buddhas in 2018 and in 2007 separately.

(Cover: A photo of the Potala Palace, Tibet, China, August 17, 2018. /VCG Photo)