Chinese Religious Leader Panchen Lama Set to Arrive in Nepal for Nanhai Buddhism Round Table

The Nanhai Buddhism Round Table, scheduled from December 12 to December 15 in Nepal, will see the participation of government officials and monks from around 20 countries. Among the notable attendees is the Panchen Lama, Gyaltsen Norbu, a religious figure appointed by the Chinese government, whose visit has been kept under wraps by the Nepal government.

Norbu’s attendance has sparked controversy due to his contentious position in the Tibetan Buddhist community. Despite being endorsed by Beijing, Norbu has not been recognized as the true Panchen Lama by the 14th Dalai Lama, who remains in exile in India. The Dalai Lama, revered globally, has asserted his right to determine his own reincarnation, a stance at odds with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has promoted Norbu as his successor.

The United States and other countries have expressed concerns, accusing China of attempting to diminish the Dalai Lama’s influence through its promotion of Norbu. In 2019, Norbu’s visit to Thailand was met with similar controversy, and his presence in Nepal is expected to further China’s goals of strengthening ties between Buddhist communities in Nepal and India.

While China has made efforts to bring Norbu to Nepal before, including a failed attempt in September, security experts advised against a quick visit due to the sensitive nature of his presence. Despite China’s pressure, Tibetans, particularly those in exile, have largely rejected Norbu as the Panchen Lama.

Norbu’s visit is expected to coincide with the Nanhai Buddhism Round Table, which will focus on Buddhist culture, philosophy, and teachings. The event aims to foster dialogue among Buddhist leaders from around the world, but Norbu’s involvement highlights ongoing tensions within the Tibetan Buddhist community over China’s influence on religious leadership.