THE 11TH PANCHEN LAMA

In 1995, the Dalai Lama recognized the six-year-old Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the 11th Panchen Lama. Shortly after, he and his family were kidnapped by the Chinese authorities. China appointed another boy as the 11th Panchen Lama. The boy chosen by China is officially installed, the boy recognized by the Tibetans has been missing since. Despite repeated requests by the UN, national governments and concerned individuals across the globe, independent observers have not been given access to the Panchen Lama.

The Communist Chinese government wants a loyal Panchen Lama because according to tradition, he is the one who recognizes the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. When the present Dalai Lama dies, China, in this way, has the chance to control Tibetan's most important political and religious leader in the future.