Dalai Lama: Tibetan spiritual leader confirms he will have successor after his death

The exiled leader of Tibetan Buddhism issues a landmark announcement as he turns 90, ending years of uncertainty.

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In a video message keenly-awaited by his followers, he said only the trust that he founded could appoint his successor and "no-one else has any authority to interfere in this matter".

According to Tibetan tradition, Dalai Lamas are "reincarnated" after they die. China annexed Tibet in 1950 and the current Dalai Lama lives in exile in India, making succession a highly contentious issue.

Beijing rejected the statement, saying his successor would be from inside China and must be approved by the government.

Watch: Dalai Lama blesses followers as 90th birthday celebrations beginHundreds of followers gathered on Wednesday to hear the long-awaited announcement in the Indian town of Dharamshala where the Dalai Lama lives.