Succession of the 14th Dalai Lama

According to Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is believed by adherents to be able to choose the body into which he is reincarnated. That person, when found, will then become the next Dalai Lama. The government of China has promulgated procedural requirements for this process, but there is disagreement among supporters and opponents of that government about the applicability of those rules.

The 14th Dalai Lama has said that he could reincarnate in the form of a person from outside of Tibet—even a "mischievous blonde woman". He also considers it possible that he will have no reincarnated successor. Chinese officials have accused him of "flip-flopping" on the issue. Critics have accused the Chinese government of interfering in religious affairs.