A senior Republican lawmaker has proposed an amendment emphasizing that the Dalai Lama’s succession is a religious matter to be decided by Tibetan Buddhist authorities. This move aims to prevent China from influencing the selection of a successor loyal to the Chinese Communist Party.
During a House Foreign Affairs Committee meeting, Michael McCaul, the committee’s Chairman Emeritus, advocated for the amendment. He highlighted that the US government should acknowledge the Dalai Lama’s succession as a spiritual issue under his authority, not Beijing’s interference.
McCaul shared his experience of meeting the Dalai Lama in 2024, praising his wisdom and warmth. Despite the Dalai Lama’s plans to live long, McCaul stressed the importance of addressing the succession issue without relying on one individual’s longevity.
The lawmaker raised concerns about China’s attempts to control the Dalai Lama’s succession process. He criticized China’s actions, including granting itself the authority to approve reincarnations, despite being an atheist government.
McCaul linked the proposed amendment to the bipartisan Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020. He emphasized that the decision of the Dalai Lama’s successor should be guided by his office and senior leaders of his faith, excluding any involvement from the Chinese Communist Party.
Highlighting the strategic implications, McCaul stated that the succession issue goes beyond religious freedom and impacts regional security. He warned that China could install a counterfeit Dalai Lama loyal to the Communist Party, influencing neighboring regions like Nepal, Mongolia, and India.
