Q: Recently, the 14th Dalai Lama published a statement on his "reincarnation", with notions like "self-determined reincarnation" or "reincarnation in a free country". What is your comment on these?    

    A: The position of the Chinese government on Xizang-related issues is consistent and clear. As is widely known, the 14th Dalai Lama is a political exile who has long engaged in anti-China separatist activities and seeks to separate Xizang from China under the cloak of religion.

    The reincarnation of Living Buddhas, including that of the Dalai Lama, is a unique succession practice in Tibetan Buddhism that has evolved over more than 700 years. It includes a strict set of religious and historical procedures such as divination, sacred lake observation, the Golden Urn lottery, enthronement, and final approval by the central government, which is historical and indispensable to the system. The current 14th Dalai Lama himself was enthroned only after receiving the approval of the then central government of China in 1940.

    China upholds religious freedom while regulating reincarnations through the Regulatory Measures on the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas of Tibetan Buddhism. The normal operation of the reincarnation of Living Buddhas including that of the Dalai Lama is protected under the law, which must be conducted in accordance with traditional religious rituals, historical conventions, and laws and regulations of the country.

    We urge the U.S. side to be fully cognizant of the sensitivity of issues related to Xizang, see through the anti-China and separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama, honor the commitments the consecutive U.S. federal governments have made to China on recognizing Xizang as part of China and not supporting "Xizang Independence", act prudently, and stop using those issues to interfere in China's internal affairs.