The Dalai Lama has declared that his successor will be born outside China, a statement that intensifies the ongoing conflict with Beijing over Tibet’s future. In his new book, Voice for the Voiceless, set to be released on Tuesday, the 89-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader affirms that the institution of the Dalai Lama must continue after his passing. Previously, he had hinted that the lineage might end with him, but this marks the first time he has explicitly stated that his successor will be born in the "free world," beyond China's influence.

The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet for India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, has long opposed Beijing’s claim that it has the authority to select his successor. He insists that any Dalai Lama appointed by China will not be recognized. Meanwhile, China continues to label him a separatist and maintains that Tibet is an integral part of its territory.

In his book, the Dalai Lama explains that his reincarnation must be able to continue his mission—advocating for universal compassion, leading Tibetan Buddhism, and representing the hopes of the Tibetan people. He acknowledges that his return to Tibet is unlikely given his age, but remains steadfast in his belief that the Tibetan struggle for freedom will persist beyond his lifetime. China has repeatedly pressured him to recognize Tibet and Taiwan as inseparable parts of its territory, an offer rejected by the Tibetan parliament-in-exile. Beijing has also dismissed his statements, calling him a political figure engaged in anti-China activities.

Despite concerns about his health following knee surgery last year, the Dalai Lama has expressed confidence in the Tibetan government-in-exile, based in Dharamshala, to continue advocating for Tibet’s rights. He emphasizes that history has shown that a society cannot remain stable if its people are continuously oppressed, and he believes Tibetans’ aspirations for freedom will endure. His book, which recounts his decades-long interactions with Chinese leaders, will be published in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., and India. He has also indicated that he will reveal further details about his succession around his 90th birthday in July.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.