U.S. Raises Concerns Over the Panchen Lamas Disappearance in China

May 19, 2026

Washington, May 19: The United States has brought attention to the issue of the Panchen Lama, one of the key spiritual leaders of Tibetan Buddhism, urging China to release him immediately. This appeal comes on the 31st anniversary of his disappearance, which occurred when he was just six years old.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the leader of Tibetan Buddhism. Shortly after this announcement, Chinese authorities disappeared him and his family.

Pigott remarked, “May 18 marked the 31st anniversary of the disappearance of the Tibetan religious leader, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Just days after the Dalai Lama recognized him, the Chinese administration took him and his family away. He was only six years old at that time.”

The U.S. has once again criticized China’s policies in Tibet and its interference in Tibetan religious matters.

Pigott emphasized, “Chinese authorities must immediately release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and his family and cease persecuting Tibetans or any other communities in China based on their religious beliefs.”

The U.S. State Department reiterated its support for the protection of Tibetan religious freedom and the preservation of their cultural and linguistic identity.

Additionally, the U.S. stated that the Tibetan Buddhist community should have the freedom to choose their religious leaders without interference from the Chinese Communist Party.

Pigott concluded, “Tibetan Buddhists, like all religious communities, should have the right to choose spiritual leaders such as the Dalai Lama or the Panchen Lama without any government or party interference.”

The Panchen Lama is considered the second highest spiritual position in Tibetan Buddhism, following the Dalai Lama.

China has maintained strict control over Tibet and its Buddhist institutions for many years. In 1995, China denied the Dalai Lama’s recognition of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as the Panchen Lama and instead declared Gyaincain Norbu as the Panchen Lama with government support.