Dalai Lama, a global symbol of Tibetan culture and resistance, turns 90

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama, has turned 90. He celebrated his birthday on Sunday, capping a week of festivities during which he spoke about his hope to live beyond 130 and reincarnate after dying. Thousands of Tibetan Buddhists, including red-robed monks and nuns gathered in Dharamshala, India, to celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize laureate's birthday. Earlier this week, the Dalai Lama announced plans to reincarnate after his death, following Buddhist traditions, ending speculation about his succession. Living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in 1959, he remains a global symbol of Tibetan culture and resistance. China, which views him as a separatist, insists on controlling his succession, raising fears among Tibetans of Beijing’s interference.