(TibetanReview.net, Oct26’26) – Gyaltsen Norbu, the “11th Panchen Lama” appointed by China to replace Gedhun Choekyi Nyima – who was kidnapped by it days after being recognized by the Dalai Lama in 1995 – has on Oct 17 presided over a symposium on “ethnic unity” held in western Tibet’s Ngari Prefecture. He completed a series of social research and Buddhist activities in the prefecture during his tour of it from Oct 11 to 21, reported China’s online Tibet information service eng.tibet.cn Oct 26.
Those who participated in discussions in the symposium were stated to include primary-level representatives from healthcare services, rural communities, public security, schools and monasteries. They were stated to have taken turns to speak, “sharing stories of friendship among ethnic groups and discussing unity and development.”
Gyaltsen Norbu was stated to have exchanged views with the representatives from time to time.
Reminding them that this was his third visit to Ngari, Gyaltsen Norbu has begun by saying, “Since the new era began, Ngari has made significant progress in both material conditions and people’s mindsets. The prefecture has been designated a national demonstration area for ethnic unity and progress.”
The “new era” apparently referred to China’s armed invasion and illegal occupation of Tibet in the 1950s.
He has attributed what he sees as Ngari’s achievements to “the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the concerted efforts of people of all ethnic groups.”
He has also underline the fact that “They have also been made possible by the favourable environment created by ethnic unity and social stability, demonstrating the principle that every effect has a cause.”
He has then stressed: “Ethnic unity touches every household and is vital to the great cause of the Chinese nation. Representatives from all ethnic groups and sectors, especially religious figures, should continue to strengthen ideological guidance, improve their own capacity, build on their strengths, and foster a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.
“They should also consolidate the favourable situation of unity and stability and work together to promote high-quality economic and social development in the region, contributing their wisdom and strength to building a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation.”
While the symposium was apparently the highlight of his tour, Gyaltsen Norbu has also visited the Tangga Border Trade Market and other foreign trade areas of Purang county, which lies at the junction of Tibet, Nepal and India and is home to Purang Port. He was stated to have spoken face-to-face with traders, wishing them peace, good health and thriving businesses, and offering the traditional Tibetan greeting, “Tashi Delek!”
He has also visited Tsochen County, a purely pastoral county with an average altitude of over 4,700 meters. The county is well known for its Tsochen Purple Cashmere Goat, which is among the first batch of agricultural products in Ngari Prefecture to receive national geographical indication registration, the report said. The County has established Tibet Jinzirong Industry and Trade Co., Ltd. and developed the Jinzirong brand.
Gyaltsen Norbu has also visited Ngari Museum “to learn about the prefecture’s history, culture and development.” In Gegye County, he has “conducted research in Wenbu Dangxiong Township on efforts to develop the forage grass industry, advance ecological conservation and increase local incomes.”
He was also stated to have carried out a series of Buddhist activities in Ngari. He has visited “Khorchak Monastery and Chuguo Monastery in Purang County, Tashi Choling Monastery in Gegye County, and Mentong Monastery in Tsochen County, where he paid homage to the Buddha and expounded Buddhist teachings.” He has also visited “Zhire Monastery in Gegye County and Zhidaburi Monastery in Gar County to pay homage to the Buddha.”
Each monastery was stated to have received him with the highest religious honours. He has “offered blessings to Buddhist believers through a head-touching ritual in the square outside the Ngari Hotel.”
The price of not receiving and hosting Gyaltsen Norbu with the honour due to the 11th Panchen Lama could be devastating. In Mar 2025, Tulku Hungkar Dorje Rinpoche, the head lama of Lung-ngon Monastery in Gade Countyof Golog Prefecture, Qinghai province, was declared dead in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, just days after a visiting team of Chinese police team took custody of him. He had fled there after being subjected to severe persecution by Chinese authorities for, among other reasons, not receiving and hosting Gyaltsen Norbu with the honour considered to be due to the Panchen Lama during the latter’s visit.
Though the Tashi Lhunpo Monastery in Shigatse City, Tibet, is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas, Gyaltsen Norbu lives in Beijing under close control and strict grooming of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) of the Communist Party of China. He visits Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas of the People’s Republic of China for around six month each year under the supervision of the UFWD to carry out its agenda of Sinicizing Tibetan Buddhism under the rubric of China’s so-called Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law.