The Dalai Lama has announced that he intends to reincarnate, paving the way for a successor to take on a mantle stretching back 500 years after his death.

China has reacted to the announcement from the Dalai Lama that he will be reincarnated after his death and a successor will be appointed.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama speaks to his secretary as he presides over an event celebrating his 90th birthday according to a Tibetan calendar in Dharamshala, India, Monday, June