China-Appointed Panchen Lama Claims Authority Over Dalai Lama Succession; Tibetan Groups Condemn Statement
Gyaltsen Norbu, the China-appointed Panchen Lama, declared at a state symposium that reincarnation must ‘adhere to Chinese law.’ The Tibetan Youth Congress condemned the remarks, reaffirming that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust holds authority over the Dalai Lama’s succession.
Gyaltsen Norbu in an undated photo (Photo/SCMP)
Beijing’s Panchen Lama Asserts State Control Over Reincarnation
Gyaltsen Norbu, widely referred to as the ‘fake Panchen Lama’ by Tibetans, made provocative statements during an official symposium in Shigatse on December 8, 2025, asserting that all reincarnation processes must comply with Chinese laws and receive Beijing’s approval.
Norbu claimed that identification of reincarnated ‘living Buddhas’ must occur within China and receive central government approval. He emphasized the process “must be done without interference or control from organisations or individuals outside the country” and must follow Chinese law under Communist Party leadership.
He characterized Beijing’s involvement in his own selection as “legalized and standardized.”
Tibetan Youth Congress Issues Strong Condemnation
TYC President Tsering Choephel (centre) with staff members during a press briefing at the organization’s office in Dharamshala on Dec. 12, 2025 (Phayul photo/Sonam Tobgyal)
The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), the largest pro-independence organization among Tibetan exiles, issued a strong condemnation on December 12.
“Comments made by the Chinese-appointed monk demonstrate a clear disregard for Tibet’s spiritual traditions, religious freedom, and long-held cultural rights,” the TYC stated.
The organization emphasized that the Communist Party’s characterization of Tibetan reincarnation as subordinate to Chinese law represents a political strategy to reinforce state control over religious affairs.
The Missing Panchen Lama
The TYC highlighted the 30-year disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who was recognized by the Dalai Lama in 1995 at age six. Just days after his recognition, Chinese authorities abducted the young boy and his family. His current whereabouts remain unknown, and China denies independent verification of his safety.
Dalai Lama’s Clear Position
The current Dalai Lama has clearly stated his successor will be born in a “free country,” avoiding Chinese political interference. During the 15th Tibetan Religious Conference in Dharamshala on July 2, 2025, he declared: “The sole authority regarding my reincarnation lies with the Gaden Phodrang Trust.”
He reiterated this position during his 90th birthday celebrations, stressing that any reincarnation proclaimed by China will not receive Tibetan Buddhist recognition.
President Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration has similarly rejected China’s interference attempts, emphasizing that reincarnation recognition belongs solely to Tibetan Buddhist tradition and the Dalai Lama himself.
Broader Context
Observers argue that Beijing’s claims represent efforts to Sinicize Tibetan religion and culture, potentially weakening Tibetan resistance and fracturing spiritual unity among Tibetans. The TYC warned that any Chinese-installed successor will be rejected by Tibetans, the international Buddhist community, and religious freedom advocates worldwide.