EU Parliament opposes China’s role in Dalai Lama succession

The European Parliament on May 8 adopted a resolution condemning China’s interference in Tibetan Buddhism, especially in selecting the next Dalai Lama. The resolution, passed in Strasbourg, also urged an independent inquiry into the suspicious death of Tulku Hungkar Dorje and renewed calls for the release of the Panchen Lama. It demanded EU sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Tibet. According to the ICT, the move underscores EU support for Tibetans’ religious freedom amid China’s increasing assimilation policies and comes ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Panchen Lama’s enforced disappearance.