The Dalai Lama, who had earlier said he would release details about his succession around his 90th birthday, told a gathering on Monday that "there will be some kind of a framework within which we can talk about the continuation of the institution of the Dalai Lamas". He did not elaborate.

The Dalai Lama has been such a thorn in the side of China. He influences thought in Tibet and Tibetans are the object of China’s wrath.”

Beijing views the Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, as a separatist and says it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born outside China and urged his followers to reject anyone chosen by Beijing.