DHARAMSHALA (India), Nov 1: The President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Penpa Tsering, has announced plans to convene a global conference to challenge China’s historical claim over the so-called 1793 “golden urn” decree, which Beijing insists gives it the authority to recognise Tibetan Buddhist reincarnations.
Speaking at the National Press Club, Tsering said there is “no authentic evidence” proving the legitimacy of the decree and accused China of weaponising religion for political control, according to Phayul.
“The reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, cannot be dictated by an atheist government,” he said. “It is the Tibetan people who will decide the future of the Dalai Lama lineage, not China.”
Tsering also denounced China’s 2007 “Order No. 5”, which mandates government approval for recognising reincarnated lamas, calling it “absurd and hypocritical.” He argued that even if the golden urn decree existed, it was rarely implemented, pointing out that eight Dalai Lamas before 1793 were recognised without it.
He highlighted how Beijing selectively invoked the urn’s use, particularly in the politically manipulated recognition of the 11th Panchen Lama, whom the Chinese government appointed in defiance of the Dalai Lama’s own choice.
Mocking Beijing’s stance, Tsering said, “If the Chinese government truly believes in reincarnation, they should first look for the rebirths of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping.”
Tsering also reminded that some Dalai Lamas were born outside Tibet — such as the fourth in Mongolia and the sixth in India — dismissing China’s insistence that the next Dalai Lama must be born under its jurisdiction.
He reaffirmed the Dalai Lama’s July 2 statement that the Gaden Phodrang Trust will oversee the selection of his successor, calling it “a source of clarity and reassurance” for Tibetans worldwide.
Tsering welcomed the growing international consensus backing the Tibetan position, noting that the United States and several European governments have publicly affirmed the Tibetan people’s right to choose their spiritual leaders free from Chinese interference.