NOTE: Xinhua is the official News Agency of the PRC.
BEIJING, February 20 – Senior Chinese Communist Party leader Jia Qinglin Thursday met Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, the 11th Panchen Lama-who is not recognised by His Holiness the Dlaia Lama*, at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing. (the Real Panchen Gedun Choki Nyima is missing since he was recognised by His Holiness the Dalai Lama as required by tradition*).
During their meeting, Jia, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, congratulated the 11th Panchen on his 13th birthday and the arrival of the Tibetan New Year.
The 11th Panchen recalled his experiences since he ascended the throne in 1995 as the reincarnated Panchen Lama, one of Tibet’s top two religious leaders.
He said he would try his best to promote unity between various ethnic groups and contribute to development and progress in Tibet.
Jia told the 11th Panchen the central authorities continued to pay great attention to the people of Tibet, and attached much importance to development in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
The society and economy in Tibet were making progress and various ethnic groups in the region enjoyed unity and happiness, peaceful lives, Jia said.
* not in the original report by xinhua but added by phayul to avoid misunderstanding.
