The Dalai Lama's Succession Plans Could Move Beijing to Talks

A recent statement by the Dalai Lama that he might abandon the tradition of having his successor chosen by the traditional process of reincarnation could reflect an attempt to undermine Beijing's interference in the eventual succession. Despite uncertainties over the succession, enduring frictions within the Tibetan exile community and its diminishing international prominence could lead to shifts in the exile movement's relations with Beijing.

This could create an opportunity for the two sides to align on some key issues that currently separate them — including the succession question and the ability of the Dalai Lama to return to his Tibetan homeland — before their differences become irreconcilable, something the death of the current Dalai Lama before an agreement was reached would hasten.