A high-ranking official of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region on Tuesday applauded the new position of the 11th Panchen Lama in the top advisory body, saying people of all ethnic groups in Tibet feel happy for that.

"His participation in social activities and holding of social positions are of great significance for demonstrating the role of the living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism and encouraging more believers to participate in state affairs," said Hao Peng, executive vice chairman of the Tibet regional government.

He made the remarks while meeting with an international media delegation organized by the State Council Information Office.

The 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, one of the two most senior living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, became a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country's top advisory body, on Sunday.

On February 3, he was just elected vice president of the Buddhist Association of China.

"Since he was enthroned in 1995, the 11th Panchen Lama has made great improvements in both Buddhist studies and cultural knowledge and has demonstrated the demeanour of a senior living Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism," Hao said.

"He is deeply loved by people of all ethnic groups in Tibet, and they are happy for his position in the CPPCC National Committee," he said.

"I hope he can carry forward the tradition of loving the motherland and religion, as the 10th Panchen Lama did, in his future participation in social affairs, and make greater contribution to development of Tibetan Buddhism," he added.

Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu was approved by the central government as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama in November 1995 after a lot-drawing ceremony among three candidates in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2010)