India, July 2 -- The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, has confirmed that the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue even after his death, in an unprecedented announcement long awaited by Tibetan Buddhists and one that is likely to have geopolitical ramifications.

The 89-year-old Tibetan leader, who is living in exile in India, said his successor would be born outside China, adding that the search for a future Dalai Lama should be carried out in "accordance with past tradition."

He said the successor can be of any gender and that their nationality would not be restricted to Tibet.

The Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama can choose the body to reincarnate, and the institution has continued sin...