A senior Indian minister has said that only the Dalai Lama and the organization he has set up have the authority to identify his successor as the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, in a rare comment contradicting rival China's long-held position.

The Dalai Lama asserted sole authority over his reincarnation through the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a move rejected by China. , Asia News - Times Now

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said India should be clear about the anti-China separatist nature of the 14th Dalai Lama and honour its commitments on Xizang (Tibet) related issues.