US asks China to release Panchen Lama, says 'no right to appoint next Dalai Lama'

United States renewed its call for release of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima who was recognised as Tibetan Buddhism’s 11th Panchen Lama at of six. Nyima disappeared in 1995 soon after Dalai Lama recognised him as reincarnation of Panchen Lama, second most senior figure in Tibetan Buddhism's largest school.

Sam Brownback, Ambassor at Large for International Religious Freedom, said that United States has idea about whereabouts of Panchen Lama and it continues to press Chinese authorities for his release. American diplomat reiterated that Chinese Communist Party has right to appoint next Dalai Lama as y continue to assert contrary.

“We continue to press Chinese authorities to release Panchen Lama and to let him free, but (also) let world kw where he is,” Brownback told reporters during a briefing on COVID-19 impact on religious mirities.

'Free Panchen Lama'

Ambassor said that US government will continue to raise issue, highlighting that it is gaining traction in Congress and in places around world because of succession issues. Brownback quipped that Chinese don’t have right to appoint next Dalai Lama any more than y have right to appoint next pope.

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China has repeatedly rejected US’ assertion on  selection of next Dalai Lama by Tibetan people saying Beijing’s approval is a must for choosing next successor. Last year, Brownback visited Dharamshala to attend 60th Anniversary event houring Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts and shared pictures with Dalai Lama.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang accused US of interfering in China’s internal affairs and said that Beijing opposes any contact with Dalai Lama by any foreign official. He said that 14th Dalai Lama is in political exile who has long been carrying out anti-China activities overseas under pretext of religion.

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