Panchen Lama Praises China`s Rule of Tibet

The Chinese government has begun to use Gyaincain Norbu (19), the 11th Panchen Lama recognized by Beijing, to counter the Dalai Lama. The Panchen Lama is the second-ranking Tibetan spiritual leader after the Dalai Lama.

The Panchen Lama in fluent English spoke at the second World Buddhist Forum in Wuxi in China`s Jiangsu province on what he said Beijing achieved in Tibet under Chinese rule in a six-minute speech Saturday.

“Tibet enjoys prosperity under the guidance of the Chinese Communist Party, and has a brighter future.”

His comments contradicted the Dalai Lama’s March 11 statement that “Tibet under Chinese rule is a hell on earth.”

In the first World Buddhist Forum held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, in April 2006, the Panchen Lama gave a speech in the Tibetan language.

Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post said the Panchen Lama delivered the speech in English Saturday apparently to show his loyalty to Beijing. The forum attracted more than 1,700 revered monks and nuns from 47 countries.

Panchen, rarely seen in public, published a contributing article in the People’s Daily March 15 saying “Tibet was liberated thanks to China’s Communist Party.” On March 11, he also participated in the 50th Anniversary of Democratic Reforms in Tibet Exhibition in Beijing.

China for the first this year designated March 28, the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against the Chinese rule, as the "day of the emancipation of serfs."

The Tibetan government-in-exile blasted the move, saying, “The designation constitutes intentional aggression.”

bonhong@donga.com