China’s Oppression of Tibet and the Struggle for the Dalai Lama’s Succession

The systematic destruction of Tibetan culture and religion by China has reached dramatic proportions since the occupation of Tibet in 1950. A current point of conflict is the question of the succession of the 14th Dalai Lama, on which a senior Indian minister has now taken a clear position.

Systematic Oppression by China

For decades, China has pursued an aggressive policy of sinicization in Tibet:

• Destruction of monasteries and religious sites
• Forced settlement of Han Chinese
• Suppression of the Tibetan language and culture
• Persecution of monks and religious leaders
• Strict control of religious activities

The Succession Battle

Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju has now emphasized that only the Dalai Lama and his institution have the right to decide on his succession. This is a clear rejection of China’s claim to determine the next Dalai Lama. China had already abducted the Panchen Lama recognized by the Dalai Lama in 1995 and installed its own candidate – an incident that should not be repeated with the succession of the Dalai Lama.

India’s Strategic Position

India, which has granted refuge to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile since 1959, also uses the Tibet issue as diplomatic leverage against China. The Dalai Lama himself has declared that his reincarnation will take place outside China. The Gaden Phodrang Foundation has been entrusted with the task of identifying his legitimate successor.

The international community is called upon to defend Tibet’s religious freedom and reject China’s attempts to instrumentalize Tibetan religion for political purposes.