Beijing claims 'final say' over Dalai Lama’s reincarnation

China’s government declared this week that it has “indisputable” authority over the selection of the next Dalai Lama, directly challenging the current spiritual leader’s authority and setting up a major succession dispute. Historical backing: Gama Cedain, deputy secretary of the Chinese Communist Party committee in Tibet, told reporters Tuesday that “the central government has the indisputable final say in the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama” and that searches must occur only within China with government approval. Chinese authorities typically point to history for support, since the title has been conferred by the central government since the 5th Dalai Lama.