The Dalai Lama has announced that he will have a successor after his death, continuing a centuries-old tradition that has become a flashpoint in the struggle with China’s Communist Party over Tibet’s future.

The Dalai Lama is the highest priest in Tibetan Buddhism, followed by Panchen Lama, the second-high priest and they have to go through the centuries-old tradition of the Golden Urn law procedure started by the 18th century Qing dynasty in order to be chosen as one.

Speaking at prayer celebrations ahead of his 90th birthday on Sunday, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death, ending