Telo Tulku Rinpoche, the former head of Buddhists of the Republic of Kalmykia and the Envoy of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Russia, Mongolia, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS countries), has warned that Mongolia has emerged as a testing ground for Beijing’s campaign to control the sacred Buddhist institution of reincarnation.

“Mongolia is pretty much under control of China politically, economically, and now we can say spiritually as well,” Rinpoche was quoted as saying by Phayul.

“They have a very strong influence to silence the Mongolian authorities, which they have succeeded in," he said.

Dalai Lama recently clarified that his institution will continue and his successor will be recognised solely by members of the Gaden Phodrang Trust.

Dalai Lama recently celebrated his 90th birthday.