It is one of the most sensitive political issues in China: who has authority in Tibet? Many Tibetans revere the Dalai Lama and support his goal of greater autonomy from Beijing.
But to Chinese officials, the exiled spiritual leader is a traitor.
The role of Dalai Lama has been filled for centuries through "reincarnation". The current Dalai Lama, the 14th, turns 80 this year, and Beijing is keen to control the process of finding the 15th.
But the present Dalai Lama has said the role will one day end. Better to have no Dalai Lama than "a stupid one".
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-32032790
