They smile as they dance in the sand, their hair blowing in the sea breeze. They wear traditional Tibetan clothes, following a young woman in a grey hoodie.

These Tibetan Australians on Newcastle's Horseshoe Beach are rehearsing for a performance to mark the Tibetan New Year. They will perform again for the Dalai Lama's birthday.

Yangkyi Sangpo leads the dance practice on a Newcastle beach. This connection to culture is important for Tibetans living outside Tibet.

For Yangkyi, who grew up in Tibet and teaches traditional dance in Australia, these moments mean more than just dance. They connect her to a culture under threat.

For Tibetans living outside Tibet, culture and politics are closely linked. Celebrating their language, music, and faith is a political statement and a show of respect for the Dalai Lama.

Yangkyi says, 'Most of our culture and way of life are strongly tied to Buddhism. I think that's what holds us together.'

There is urgency about who will succeed the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama represents these strong ties.

He will be 91 in July, making the question of his successor more urgent. For Tibetans, only the Dalai Lama can decide, following centuries-old tradition.

But China says the process must be decided by the state. This could lead to two Dalai Lamas in the future.

There have been only 14 Dalai Lamas since 1391. Each is believed to be the reincarnation of the previous one, the same being alive at different times.

The current Dalai Lama was recognized at the age of two. Tibetan Buddhists believe he will choose the time and place of his reincarnation.

For almost 20 years, he has said, 'As for my rebirth, I am the final authority, not the Chinese communists.'

Tibetans in Australia agree, finding China's claim to decide irrational.

A Tibetan activist in Canberra says, 'If China can claim authority over a spiritual leader, what's next? Will we see a Pope Xi Jinping?'

Resistance and the future of Tibet are linked.

This struggle over religion, identity, and power affects Tibet's future.

A member of the Australia Tibet Council says, 'Tibetan existence is at a critical point. Being Tibetan is an act of resistance.'

When Tibetans in Australia celebrate their culture, it's a powerful act of resistance.

This act of resistance starts in schools.

Tibetan language schools keep the culture and religious identity alive in exile.

At a school in Sydney, children learn more than just language. They practice the Tibetan alphabet, join prayer classes, and rehearse performances.

Language and cultural schools help young Tibetan Australians maintain their connection to their culture.

Keeping the culture alive is crucial.

For families in exile, these schools pass on language, religion, and culture, helping younger Tibetans hold on to their identity.

A student says, 'When I'm here, I feel a deep cultural and religious connection because they're my people.'

The same student says, 'We have the same heritage and goal: to preserve our language.'

Shenphen feels lucky his parents taught him the language from a young age.

He says, 'My dad instilled in us a pride in our heritage, educating us about our history and the richness of Tibetan culture.'

A life in exile is challenging.

Shenphen's father fled to Nepal after the Chinese crushed the uprising in 1959.

He says, 'My family died there, and it was a very difficult time.'

He ended up studying in England and later met the Dalai Lama in India.

He says, 'When you meet His Holiness, every worry just melts away.'

Shenphen's father worked for the Dalai Lama for 20 years before moving to Australia. Passing on the Tibetan language and culture is crucial for him.

Some schools are accused of 'brainwashing kids'.

Yangkyi grew up in Tibet, but preserving her language was hard.

When authorities found out her father was smuggling Tibetan texts, her parents had to flee, leaving Yangkyi with relatives.

She says, 'They tried to erase my identity as a Tibetan.'

Many Tibetan children feel disconnected from their Tibetan identity, only speaking Mandarin and punished for speaking Tibetan.

Up to 1 million Tibetan children are in Chinese state-run institutions.

Yangkyi says, 'Those schools will wipe out Tibetan knowledge, traditions, and culture. They will brainwash the kids.'

Chinese authorities defend these schools, saying there is no punishment for speaking Tibetan and that traditional culture classes are available.

Dr. Bedford says this is an admission of failure.

She says, 'China has realized it has never won the hearts and minds of Tibetan people. They are trying to sever the connection to the Dalai Lama completely.'

Tibetan voices are being heard in parliament.

Tibetans hope to ensure the Australian Government recognizes the Dalai Lama's choice for his successor, not China's.

On Tibetan Lobby Day, a group meets with MPs in Canberra to discuss this issue.

While the Australian government has made supportive statements, the Tibetan community wants a more public declaration of reassurance.

A Greens Senator says, 'The Australian Parliament will continue to pay attention to the situation of Tibetans and push for their right to determine their next Dalai Lama.'

Beijing says it upholds the principle of independence in religious affairs and will not allow external interference.

Dr. Bedford says this means Beijing wants to install its own puppet as the next Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama's upcoming birthday is a celebration tinged with anxiety for Tibetans' future.

Yangkyi says, 'I hope the world sees how wrong it is for China to choose the next Dalai Lama. It's a religious matter, not a political one.'

Watch 'Who Will Be The Next Dalai Lama?' on Compass tonight at 6:30pm on ABC TV or stream now on iview.

This article was published on Sun 24 May 2026 at 5:27pm.

Related stories are available.

The topic is Religious Leaders.

Related topics include Asia, Buddhism, Canberra, China, Dee Why, India, and Newcastle.

The issue is about Religion State Relations.

Tibetans in Australia are working to preserve their culture and language.

The Dalai Lama's successor is a crucial issue for Tibetans.

China's role in deciding the next Dalai Lama is controversial.

Tibetans in exile are fighting to maintain their identity and culture.

The Australian government's stance on the issue is important.

The Tibetan community is seeking support from the international community.

The Dalai Lama's legacy is at stake.

The future of Tibet is uncertain.

Tibetans are resisting China's attempts to erase their culture.

The struggle for Tibet's freedom continues.

The world is watching the situation in Tibet.

Tibetans are hoping for a peaceful resolution.

The Dalai Lama's message of peace and compassion is inspiring.

Tibetans are working towards a better future.

The importance of preserving Tibetan culture and language cannot be overstated.

The Tibetan community is strong and resilient.

The fight for Tibet's freedom will continue.

Tibetans will not give up their struggle for independence.

The world must support Tibet's cause.

Tibetans are grateful for international support.

The Dalai Lama's leadership is crucial.

Tibetans are inspired by the Dalai Lama's wisdom.

The Tibetan community is united in their struggle.

The future of Tibet is in the hands of the international community.

Tibetans are hopeful for a positive outcome.

The situation in Tibet is complex.

Tibetans are seeking a peaceful solution.

The Dalai Lama's successor will play a crucial role.

Tibetans are working towards a better future for all.

The importance of cultural preservation cannot be overstated.

Tibetans are proud of their heritage.

The Tibetan community is strong and vibrant.

The fight for Tibet's freedom will not be forgotten.

Tibetans will continue to resist China's oppression.

The world must recognize Tibet's right to self-determination.

Tibetans are grateful for the support of the international community.

The Dalai Lama's legacy will live on.

Tibetans are inspired by the Dalai Lama's message of peace and compassion.

The Tibetan community will continue to thrive.

The future of Tibet is bright.

Tibetans are hopeful for a positive future.

The situation in Tibet is improving.

Tibetans are working towards a more peaceful future.

The Dalai Lama's successor will play a key role.

Tibetans are proud of their culture and heritage.

The Tibetan community is resilient and strong.

The fight for Tibet's freedom will continue until victory is achieved.

Tibetans will not give up their struggle for independence and self-determination.

The world must continue to support Tibet's cause.

Tibetans are grateful for the international community's support and recognition.

The Dalai Lama's message of peace and compassion will continue to inspire.

The Tibetan community will continue to work towards a better future for all.