Despite his advanced age, the Dalai Lama emphasized the need for autonomy in recognizing his potential reincarnation, asserting that only his office holds the authority to make that decision. He warned against the influence of the Chinese government, which has attempted to control Tibetan religious practices since he fled Tibet in 1959. The Dalai Lama’s enduring concern is that Beijing could exploit the transition period following his death to undermine Tibetan aspirations for freedom. He has proposed looking for a successor among Tibetan exiles and hinted at unconventional possibilities for his reincarnation, stating that he would clarify his vision for the future of the institution by his 90th birthday celebrations this week.