Reincarnation spat

China's most famous monk is raising hackles in Beijing yet again. This time it's over whether the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spirtual leader, can specify whether and where he will be reincarnated.

On Monday, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the Dalai Lama's recent comments about reincarnation. The Dalai Lama reportedly has said he will leave instructions about his reincarnation, after deciding at age 90 whether the institution should even exist. China, meanwhile, says the monk has no right to decide.

In a commentary published Monday, the state-run Xinhua news agency likened him to a "has-been star" trying to change the rules.

"The reincarnation of Living Buddhas has always followed strict historical conventions and religious rituals, and all the Dalai Lamas have been approved by China's central regime since 1653," Xinhua wrote. "Now the 14th Dalai Lama, eager to pass on his 'Tibet independence' attempt, is ready to defy these rituals."

"Like a has-been star, he fears the loss of popularity, a personal loss that does no harm to his fellow Tibetans, but would certainly announce the eventual failure of his separatist attempt, a "cause" in which he has dedicated most of his life," the commentary continued.

The Dalai Lama has rejected China's claims he promotes Tibet independence, saying instead that he wants greater autonomy.