Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po performed his regular duties at the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China and participated in religious and social activities in Lhasa, capital city of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, from July 30 to Aug. 23.

Panchen Rinpoche, a leader of Tibetan Buddhism, arrived in Lhasa by plane from Beijing on July 30. During his time in Lhasa, he presided over a series of meetings as president of the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China.

On Aug. 14, Panchen Rinpoche attended a symposium in Lhasa for Xizang's representatives of prominent individuals outside the Communist Party of China on the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, China's fundamental law governing ethnic affairs, which took effect on July 1.

"Ethnic unity is the foundation of national unity, the basis of social harmony, and the source of development and progress," Panchen Rinpoche said while addressing the symposium.

As China's first fundamental and comprehensive law specifically governing work related to promoting ethnic unity and progress, he added, the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law responds to the mission and tasks of ethnic affairs work in the new era, and provides rule-of-law support for the high-quality development of related work.

"It offers solid institutional safeguards for fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and consolidating the foundations of ethnic unity. It is a step to solidify the foundations for promoting ethnic unity and progress in the new era," he said.

Between Aug. 3 and Aug. 23, Panchen Rinpoche also visited several temples in Lhasa to pay respects and provide Buddhist teachings. He offered blessings to believers through a head-touching ritual at his residence in Lhasa.

Additionally, he made field visits to the Lhasa economic and technology development zone.

As one of the most influential Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po was born on Feb. 13, 1990 in Lhari County of Nagqu in Xizang. On Nov. 29, 1995, he was approved and confirmed by the State Council as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen after a lot-drawing from a golden urn. He was then enthroned as the 11th Panchen Erdeni.

Panchen Rinpoche is a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body. He is also vice president of the Buddhist Association of China.