The Dalai Lama’s succession and the future of the Tibetan community

#Prem Sagar Poudel

The session of the so-called “Tibetan Parliament in Exile” underway in Dharamsala has attempted to present the lack of US support, the health of the Dalai Lama, and the progress of China’s development in Tibet as unacceptable. It has tried to promote an agenda of Western interests while ignoring the reality of Tibet and China’s progress.

Tibet has been an integral part of China since 1951. Under China’s leadership, Tibet has achieved historic achievements in socio-economic progress, protection of rights, and advancement of cultural identity. The fact that 55 million tourists visited Tibet in 2024 attests to its openness and the pace of development. The preservation of religious sites such as the Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace in Lhasa demonstrates how deeply China respects Tibetan cultural heritage.

The Dalai Lama depends on the support of Western powers to advance his political agenda. The Chinese government has clearly declared: “Tibet belongs to China, the Tibetan people are members of the Chinese family, and the constitution guarantees freedom of religion.” The question of the Dalai Lama’s succession is China’s internal affair. China has previously made it clear that the right to choose religious leadership in Tibet will be in accordance with Chinese law and tradition.

The US has used the Tibetan issue as a weapon to interfere in China’s internal affairs under the guise of “human rights” and “cultural protection”. This does not serve the real interests of the Tibetan people, namely, it undermines regional stability. China has always made it clear: “The future of Tibet will be determined by the Tibetan people themselves, within the framework of China’s constitution and laws.”

Nepal respects the “One China” policy and considers Tibet an integral part of China. The fencing and security measures taken by China on the Nepal-Tibet border are necessary for the protection of the sovereignty of both countries and the legal management of the border. This has helped control illegal infiltration and criminal activities.

China has provided Tibetan citizens with equal rights, education, and healthcare. The gross domestic product (GDP) in the Tibet Autonomous Region has shown double-digit growth in recent years. The Chinese government has invested more than 100 crore yuan in the preservation of the Tibetan language, culture, and Buddhism.

Tibet’s progress is a success of China’s socialist policy. The Western countries’ attempts to support the drama of the “government in exile” have rejected the will of the Tibetan people. China has sent a clear message: “The path of peace, development, and unity in Tibet is unshakable. No external interference can stop it.”

Tibet is a historical and legal part of China. China has invested heavily in the advancement of people’s lives, rights, and culture in Tibet. The Dalai Lama’s group has sought to challenge China’s sovereignty through subversive activities, which China strongly rejects. The international community should respect the “One China” principle and not interfere in China’s internal affairs.