The Dalai Lama has declared that his successor will be chosen solely by the Gaden Phodrang Trust without any external interference, reaffirming centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions. China rejected the announcement, insisting that the next Dalai Lama must be approved by Beijing and selected through a state-sanctioned process. The Dalai Lama's statement comes ahead of his 90th birthday and follows global Tibetan appeals to preserve the spiritual lineage. Experts say the move signals a rejection of Chinese control and a bid for religious autonomy.