C hina has reacted to the announcement from the Dalai Lama that he will be reincarnated after his death and a successor will be appointed.

The statement puts to rest speculation, started by the Dalai Lama himself, that he may be the last of Tibet's spiritual leaders.

A day after China said that the Dalai Lama's successor would be chosen following its seal of approval, India on Thursday made its position clear on the issue, stating it was only the current spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhists and the conventions established by him who could determine the next incarnation.