BEIJING, 11 MARCH

The Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader in exile, has said that his successor will be born in the “free world” outside of China.

 “Since the purpose of a reincarnation is to carry on the work of the predecessor, the new Dalai Lama will be born in the free world so that the traditional mission of the Dalai Lama – that is, to be the voice for universal compassion, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, and the symbol of Tibet embodying the aspirations of the Tibetan people – will continue,” the Dalai Lama wrote in Voice for the Voiceless, a new book released on Tuesday by the 89-year-old.

China considers Tibet as an integral part of the country and views movements advocating for its greater autonomy or independence as threats to its national sovereignty.

Beijing has labelled the current Dalai Lama, who was identified as the reincarnation of his predecessor at two years old, a “separatist”.

The Dalai Lama, who shunned his political role to in 2011 to focus on spirituality, has denied advocating Tibetan independence. He supports a “middle way” approach, which would grant the mainly Buddhist territory greater autonomy.

Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry has criticised the Dalai Lama for his claim that his successor would be born outside China, reports said.

The ministry reportedly said, “He has no right to represent the people of Tibet. Reincarnations of the living Buddha, including the Dalai Lama, should abide by the regulations of the country… Reincarnation is a special tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the name of the living Buddha of Dalai Lama was identified by the central government.”