The Dalai Lama will address a major Buddhist gathering on his succession, sparking possible tensions with China.

In a three-day meeting of Buddhist leaders, the Dalai Lama will address the issue of his succession as he approaches his 90th birthday. Beijing disputes his authority, calling him a separatist and saying it will choose his successor. The Dalai Lama said he would be born outside China and urged his followers to reject any choice made by the Chinese authorities. The meeting will include more than 100 Buddhist leaders and will be marked by a video statement by the Dalai Lama, who will participate in prayers organized by the Tibetan government in exile.