China projects 'Panchen Lama' at parliament meet

China today prominently projected Panchen Lama, its purported alternative to the Dalai Lama, during the inaugural session of the annual meeting of the Chinese parliament, amid a volatile situation in Tibet following recurring suicides by Buddhist monks and nuns.

The 23-year-old Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, who was inducted into the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), an influential advisory legislative body in 2010, was given prominent coverage both in the state television and official website on its opening day today.

Bainqen, who was chosen by China to be 11th Panchen Lama, was seated along with a senior Buddhist monk in the CPPCC session at the Great Hall Of People, which was attended among others by the entire Chinese leadership, including President Hu Jintao.

Bainqen, who is mostly based in Beijing, tours Tibet especially Shigatse, the seat of successive Panchen Lamas who are regarded in Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy next only to Dalai Lama in terms of spiritual influence.

Last month, he was recently given audience by Premier Wen Jiabao to greet him on the Tibetan New Year. Wen held a high profile reception for him in Zhongnanhai compound in central Beijing, where the Chinese leaders meet top global leaders

The meeting took place amid a tense situation in Tibet following a wave of self-immolations by Buddhist monks and nuns against Beijing's rule.

Over the last several months, 22 suicide attempts have taken place by monks and nuns calling for the return of the Dalai Lama from exile in India.

China has stepped up security and tightened controls in temples and monasteries to bring the situation under control. Top Chinese leaders have accused the Dalai Lama of instigating the self-immolations in Tibet.