The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet in 1959, is approaching his 90th birthday, a milestone that has drawn significant attention from China, India, and the United States due to his global influence.

His birthday celebration is not only important for Tibetans but also for international supporters who view him as a symbol of non-violence and the struggle for Tibetan cultural identity under Chinese rule.

As the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the question of his succession is critical, especially given his recent assertion in his book 'Voice for the Voiceless' that his reincarnation will occur outside of Chinese territory.

This statement directly challenges China's attempts to control the succession process, which has included detaining the Panchen Lama since 1995 to influence the recognition of reincarnations.

During a recent gathering, the Dalai Lama indicated he would discuss his succession plan, a topic that could provoke reactions from China, which claims the authority to name his successor.

The deputy speaker of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, Dolma Tsering Teykhang, emphasized the importance of the Dalai Lama addressing the succession issue directly, especially given China's political maneuvers.

Leading the Tibetan government-in-exile from Dharamshala, the Dalai Lama has established a framework for the continuation of his institution, including the Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which oversees succession protocols.

This foundation was created in 2015 to ensure a smooth transition of spiritual authority, marking a shift from a tradition of combined spiritual and temporal leadership to a system led by democratically elected officials.

India, hosting over 100,000 Tibetan Buddhists, sees the Dalai Lama's presence as strategic leverage against China, while the U.S. has expressed support for Tibetan human rights and opposes Chinese influence in the succession process.

Legislation signed by President Joe Biden in 2024 reflects the U.S. commitment to ensuring that China does not influence the selection of the Dalai Lama's successor.

A significant religious conference is set to begin on July 2, 2025, in McLeod Ganj, where discussions about the Dalai Lama's successor are expected, although not officially on the agenda.