Why Tibet Will Outlive the Chinese Communists
By TaiwanPlus
In this exclusive episode, the nephew of the 14th Dalai Lama and former Tibetan parliamentarian Khedroob Thondup joins us to discuss one of the most consequential moments in his country’s modern history. Beijing insists it has the authority to approve the next Dalai Lama, even as the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader has made clear that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust can recognize his future reincarnation. The dispute follows decades of failed dialogue between Tibetan leaders and the Chinese government, as well as the controversial disappearance of the Panchen Lama recognized by the Dalai Lama in 1995 and Beijing's appointment of its own successor. With the US and India voicing support for Tibetans' religious freedom, questions are growing over the future of Tibetan leadership, identity and international support. Can Tibet preserve its religious traditions and political aspirations in the face of increasing Chinese control? In this episode, we examine the succession challenge, Beijing's strategy and what the future of Tibet means for China, India and the wider region. *Recorded on August 19, 2026 at 11am Taiwan Standard Time Host/Senior Producer: Yin Khvat Producer: Suvam Pal Research Assistant: April Lin Videographer: Celest Kao Our guests: Khedroob Thondup - Nephew of the Dalai Lama and Former Tibetan Parliamentarian Kaveri Gill - Shiv Nadar University Centre of Excellence in Himalayan Studies Non-Resident Senior Fellow
