Tibetan Youth Congress Rejects China's Reincarnation Directive

The Tibetan Youth Congress and Tibetan parliamentary leaders in exile have strongly opposed remarks by Gyaltsen Norbu, the Chinese-installed Panchen Lama, asserting that the reincarnation of Tibetan spiritual leaders must follow Chinese law. They emphasize adhering to traditional Tibetan practices without Chinese government interferences.

The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) and leaders of the Tibetan parliament in exile have condemned recent statements by Gyaltsen Norbu, the Beijing-appointed Panchen Lama, regarding the reincarnation of Tibetan spiritual leaders.

Speaking to ANI, TYC President Tsering Chomphel criticized Norbu's remarks made at a state-sponsored symposium in Shigatse on December 8, 2025, which insisted that the recognition of the Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama adheres to Chinese law. Chomphel underscored that Tibetans have their own religious traditions for reincarnating Tulkus and Lamas, and expressed opposition against China's White Paper No. 5 issued in 2007.

Namgyal Dolkar Lhagyari, a member of the Tibetan parliament in exile, also denounced Norbu's statement, highlighting its lack of religious and political legitimacy. Lhagyari reiterated that the Dalai Lama alone has the authority to decide his reincarnation, independent of any Chinese influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)