The boy endorsed by China as the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism has remained in Beijing during the traditional Tibetan New Year.
The People’s Daily reported he was also urged by Chinese officials to support the Communist Party.
Gyaincain Norbu, recognized by Beijing as the 11th Panchen Lama met on the Tibetan New Year’s Day Saturday with Liu Yandong, the head of the party’s United Front office.
Liu was quoted as saying they hoped the 11th Panchen Lama would inherit and display the patriotism of his predecessors and become a great Living Buddha who supported the leadership of the Communist Party.