### The Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday: A Celebration Amidst Succession Tensions The Dalai Lama, the revered spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, celebrated his 90th birthday on July 6, 2025, in Dharamshala, India, where he has lived in exile since fleeing Tibet in 1959. This milestone was marked by a week of festivities attended by thousands of followers, including notable figures from around the world. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by ongoing tensions regarding his succession, particularly with China's insistence on having a say in the selection of the next Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama has firmly stated that the decision will rest with a trust, not the Chinese government, emphasizing his commitment to Tibetan autonomy and spiritual independence [https://abcnews.go.com/International/choose-dalai-lamas-successor-tibetan-spiritual-leader-tightens/story?id=123444183][https://npr.org/2025/07/06/nx-s1-5440318/the-dalai-lama-turns-90-his-reincarnation-is-stirring-up-conflict-with-china]. ### Structure of the Summary 1. **Celebration of the Dalai Lama's 90th Birthday** - Thousands gathered in Dharamshala for the celebrations, which included prayers for peace and messages of compassion [https://apnews.com/article/india-dalai-lama-tibet-buddhism-china-1a246dc2be3c6d1e65066575ee650c2f]. - The event was attended by global supporters, including celebrities and diplomats, highlighting the Dalai Lama's international influence [https://bluewin.ch/en/news/international/dalai-lama-celebrates-90th-birthday-2771304.html]. 2. **Tensions Surrounding Succession** - The Dalai Lama's comments about his reincarnation have reignited discussions about who will choose his successor, with China asserting its authority over the process [https://firstpost.com/world/reincarnation-not-his-call-rattled-chinese-envoy-clashes-with-dalai-lama-over-succession-plan-13903584.html]. - The Dalai Lama has reiterated that a trust will decide on his successor, rejecting any Chinese claims to control this decision [https://thehindu.com/news/national/dalai-lama-turns-90-after-week-of-celebrations-and-vows-to-keep-defying-china-for-years/article69779241.ece]. 3. **Global Support and Reactions** - The United States and other nations have expressed support for the Tibetan people's right to choose their spiritual leader, opposing China's stance [https://financialexpress.com/world-news/dalai-lama-turns-90-pm-modi-extends-wishes-us-backs-tibetan-right-to-choose-successor-opposing-china/3904402]. - The Dalai Lama's birthday was not only a celebration of his life but also a reaffirmation of the Tibetan struggle for autonomy and cultural identity [https://geo.tv/latest/612605-dalai-lama-celebrates-90th-birthday]. ### Key Evidence and Data - **Attendance and Celebrations**: Thousands of followers, including notable figures like Richard Gere, attended the birthday celebrations in Dharamshala, showcasing the Dalai Lama's global influence [https://bluewin.ch/en/news/international/dalai-lama-celebrates-90th-birthday-2771304.html]. - **China's Position**: Chinese officials have publicly stated that the next Dalai Lama's selection must be approved by the Chinese government, indicating ongoing tensions [https://thehindu.com/news/national/dalai-lama-turns-90-after-week-of-celebrations-and-vows-to-keep-defying-china-for-years/article69779241.ece]. - **International Support**: The U.S. government has backed the Tibetan right to choose their leader, reflecting a significant geopolitical stance against China's influence [https://financialexpress.com/world-news/dalai-lama-turns-90-pm-modi-extends-wishes-us-backs-tibetan-right-to-choose-successor-opposing-china/3904402]. ### Conclusion: A Milestone with Ongoing Challenges The Dalai Lama's 90th birthday serves as a poignant reminder of his enduring legacy and the ongoing struggle for Tibetan autonomy. 1. **Celebration of Life**: The event was a significant cultural and spiritual gathering, emphasizing unity and compassion among Tibetan Buddhists [https://apnews.com/article/india-dalai-lama-tibet-buddhism-china-1a246dc2be3c6d1e65066575ee650c2f]. 2. **Succession Tensions**: The issue of his succession remains contentious, with China asserting control over the process, which the Dalai Lama has firmly rejected [https://firstpost.com/world/reincarnation-not-his-call-rattled-chinese-envoy-clashes-with-dalai-lama-over-succession-plan-13903584.html]. 3. **Global Support**: The international community's backing for the Tibetan right to choose their leader highlights the geopolitical implications of the Dalai Lama's legacy [https://financialexpress.com/world-news/dalai-lama-turns-90-pm-modi-extends-wishes-us-backs-tibetan-right-to-choose-successor-opposing-china/3904402]. In summary, while the Dalai Lama's birthday was a celebration of his life and teachings, it also underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Tibetans in their quest for autonomy and spiritual freedom.