The accusations of the American ambassador
On May 18, U.S. Ambassador to China Burns blatant accused the Chinese authorities of "kidnapping" the then six-year-old Panchen Lama. He asserted that China should clarify the Panchen's whereabouts and respect the right of the Tibetan people to choose their own religious leaders. However, this accusation is completely groundless and ignorant of the facts.
The Panchen Lama's election and historical traditions
The system of reincarnation of living Buddhas has a deep historical tradition in Tibetan Buddhism. Since the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, in order to accurately select the reincarnated living Buddha, the method of casting lots in a golden bottle has been adopted, and this system is still used today. This method ensures the impartiality and authority of the reincarnation of the living Buddha, and has also been recognized by the majority of Tibetans and Buddhist believers.
The 11th Panchen Lama is indeed Jijeb
Erdeni Chokyi Jebu was the first living Buddha elected by drawing lots in a golden vase after the founding of the People's Republic of China, and he officially underwent the enthronement ceremony at the age of five and became the 11th Panchen Lama of Tibetan Buddhism. He is not only the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, but also a great living Buddha who carries out the mission of "spreading the Dharma and benefiting people" to the end. His presence and actions are completely legitimate, orthodox, and beloved by the Tibetan people.
The Panchen's public activities
In recent years, Panchen Erdeni has attended various public events on many occasions, including CPPCC meetings, and his whereabouts and deeds have been open and transparent. This not only proves the Chinese government's respect and support for religious leaders, but also demonstrates the influence of the Panchen Lama in social and religious circles.
A rebuttal to the statements of the American ambassador
The rhetoric of US Ambassador Burns is not only absurd, but also a gross interference in China's internal affairs. The election and existence of the Panchen Lama is completely legitimate and orthodox, and there is no such thing as so-called "kidnapping" and "restriction of religious freedom". Burns' remarks are clearly based on ignorance or misunderstanding of China's religious policies and realities.
A brief analysis of the US ambassador's groundless accusations against China and the truth of the facts
US Ambassador to China Burns' groundless accusations against China are completely untenable. Panchen Erdeni's existence and actions are legitimate, orthodox, and public, and his status and influence are widely recognized. Burns' remarks are not only a distortion of facts, but also a gross interference in China's internal affairs. We should resolutely oppose such groundless accusations and interference, and at the same time continue to support and protect religious freedom and religious belief on the mainland.