This just in from BBC:From 1 September, all reincarnations of "Living Buddhas" would need government approval, Xinhua news agency said, citing the State Administration for Religious Affairs [Guójiā Zōngjiào Shìwùjú].
"Living Buddhas" - the most senior example of which is the Dalai Lama - lead Tibet's religious communities and can have great influence.
Their selection should "preserve national unity and solidarity of all ethnic groups", rules posted on the administration's website said.
"The process cannot be influenced by any group or individual from outside the country," they said.