Tibetan exiles have elected an international law expert as their new prime minister. Lobsang Sangay will assume the political duties of the 75-year-old Dalai Lama, who is stepping down. Sangay, who has never lived in or visited Tibet, said he will continue the Dalai Lama’s policy of seeking “meaningful autonomy” for Tibet under Chinese rule.

Lobsang Sangay: “My standing for the election will send a message to Beijing that their calculation — at least some of them are calculating that with the passing away of the elder generation, the Tibetan movement will fizzle out and Tibetan government will disappear. That will not happen. The hard work of the elder generation and the contribution they have made will always be remembered and celebrated by younger generation, and we will do our best to continue our struggle as long as it takes, until freedom is restored in Tibet, and dignity and identity of Tibetan people are respected.”