This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
Published on November 11, 2019, China has accused the US of attempting to meddle in Tibet's internal affairs through the UN, amidst a dispute over the succession of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.
US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, has stated that the US wants the UN to take up the issue of the Dalai Lama's succession, citing that the choice of the Dalai Lama's successor belongs to the Tibetan Buddhists, not the Chinese government.
However, Beijing responded angrily, accusing the US of attempting to meddle in China's internal affairs under the pretext of religious freedoms.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Geng Shuang, stated that the US move is 'doomed to fail' and will be met with opposition from the international community.
China has hinted that it could name the next Dalai Lama, who would be groomed to support Chinese rule, and is waiting out the current Dalai Lama, believing his campaign for greater Tibetan autonomy will end with him.
The Dalai Lama, who is 84 years old, has slowed down in recent years and suffered a chest infection earlier this year, although he is not known to have serious health issues.
China's actions in Tibet have been met with criticism from human rights groups, who have pointed out the detention of a six-year-old boy identified as the reincarnation of the Panchen Lama in 1995.
