Who is China's chosen panchen lama, Gyaltsen Norbu?
China appointed Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama in 1995, rejecting the Dalai Lama’s choice, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who has been missing since. Norbu supports the Communist Party and promotes “sinicisation” of Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama insists only his trust, Gaden Phodrang, can pick his successor, escalating tensions over Tibet’s spiritual leadership and cultural autonomy.