China must ‘strengthen education’ of Tibetan Buddhists, Beijing official says after tour

Beijing, through the voice of Li Ganjie, head of the Communist Party’s United Front Work Department, has reiterated its commitment to controlling and shaping Tibetan Buddhism. During a tour of Tibetan regions in Gansu and Sichuan, Li stressed the need to 'strengthen' the education, training, and management of Tibetan Buddhist figures. This directive underscores the Party's ongoing effort to ensure that Tibetan Buddhism aligns with 'socialist society' and adheres to the 'Sinicisation' of religion, a policy aimed at integrating religious practices into the broader Chinese cultural and political framework.

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strengthen the education, training and management of Tibetan Buddhist personnel

The focus on 'strengthening the rule of law in religious affairs' and bolstering monastery management signals Beijing's intent to exert greater control over religious institutions. The goal is to cultivate 'high-level religious talent' who not only understand Tibetan Buddhist doctrines but are also proficient in Chinese culture and loyal to the Party's policies. This approach reflects a broader strategy to ensure national unity and ethnic solidarity, as interpreted by the Chinese government, by bringing religious practices under tighter state supervision.

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guide Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society in accordance with the requirements of systematically advancing the Sinicisation of religion and strengthening the rule of law in religious affairs

From Beijing's perspective, this is a necessary step to maintain stability and ensure that religious activities do not diverge from the Party's agenda. The emphasis on 'Sinicisation' is presented as a way to modernize and adapt Tibetan Buddhism to contemporary Chinese society, rather than a suppression of religious freedom. The official statements highlight the importance of religious leaders safeguarding national unity, framing the Party's involvement as a protective measure for the nation's integrity.

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We must strengthen the education, training and management of representatives of Tibetan Buddhism, guiding religious figures to safeguard national unity and ethnic solidarity