TYC Slams Chinese Panchen Lama’s Statement on Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation
By Tenzin Chokyi
DHARAMSALA 12 December: The Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), one of the largest Tibetan NGOs in exile advocating for the complete independence of Tibet, today strongly rejected and condemned the recent remarks by the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama asserting that the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation must comply with Chinese laws and traditions and be endorsed by the Chinese government without any interference from outside.
At a press conference held today at their main office in McLeod Ganj, the TYC stated that the comments by Gyaltsen Norbu, the Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama, constitute a calculated attempt by China to assert control over Tibetan Buddhism as a means to reinforce its illegitimate political sovereignty over occupied Tibet.
The Chinese‑appointed Panchen Lama reportedly made the remarks during a state‑sponsored symposium held in Shigatse in occupied Tibet on 8 December, asserting that all reincarnation processes must be governed by Chinese law and approved by the central authorities. This statement follows the 14th Dalai Lama’s official announcement in June that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, his private office, shall have sole authority over the reincarnation process, a move that explicitly excludes China from the decision‑making role.
The TYC contended that Gyaltsen Norbu’s statement is politically motivated, aimed at creating a justification for a future Chinese‑appointed 15th Dalai Lama, and is entirely devoid of genuine spiritual legitimacy.
“We deliberately choose to call him a monk instead of a spiritual leader in our press statement, as he’s essentially a political tool of the Chinese government without any spiritual legitimacy both inside occupied Tibet and in exile,” said Tsering Choephel, president of the TYC.
Choephel noted that the TYC has long resisted China’s aggressive attempts to politicise Tibetan Buddhism, especially the reincarnation system. He reaffirmed the TYC 2009 resolution adopted during its 40th General Body Meeting, which declares that the Chinese government holds no authority to recognise or interfere with the reincarnation process of Tibetan Buddhist Tulkus and Lamas.
This resolution was adopted in response to China’s State Religious Affairs Bureau Order No. 5 issued in 2007, which requires that all Tibetan Buddhist Tulku reincarnations obtain government approval and declares those without such approval illegitimate.
The TYC argues that China’s claims to religious authority over Tibetan Buddhism are not merely political manoeuvres, but also violate centuries-old Tibetan religious traditions, amounting to a breach of international human rights standards, particularly the Tibetan people’s right to religious freedom, which has real-life social and political consequences for Tibetans living under occupation.
Choephel therefore stated that the TYC will continue to work to ensure that Tibetan religious rights are upheld and respected, and to counter China’s escalating interference in the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process.
Gyaltsen Norbu was installed by the Chinese government as the 11th Panchen Lama in November 1995, six months after the Dalai Lama’s recognition of Gendun Choekyi Nyima. He was appointed to replace the Dalai Lama’s recognised choice, who remains missing to this day.
Gendun Choekyi Nyima, born on 25 April 1989, in Lhari County in the Nagchu region of eastern Tibet, was recognised as the 11th Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at the tender age of 6 on 14 May 1995.
Three days after his enthronement, the 11th Panchen Lama was kidnapped by the Chinese government and has been held captive since 17 May 1995, along with his family members.
