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Daily News Egypt
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Chinese Central government approval is fundamental principle, legal safeguard of Grand Living Buddha reincarnation: signed article
The following is a signed article by Li Hui, assistant researcher at College of Philosophy, Nankai University. Approval from the Central Government is the Fundamental Principle and Legal Safeguard of Reincarnation of the Grand Living Buddhas In the Tibetan Buddhist reincarnation system, the three fundamental principles of 'search within the Chinese territory, drawing lots from the golden urn, and approval from the central government' form a comprehensive and rigorous framework for succession. This system serves as a vital safeguard for national unity, ethnic solidarity, and the proper order of Tibetan Buddhism. Among these principles, 'approval by the central government' is the system's ultimate and most essential step. Far from being a mere administrative formality, it carries profound historical logic, legal foundation, and practical significance. This principle is essential for ensuring an orderly reincarnation process, as well as for maintaining social stability and enduring peace. I. Central Government Approval as a Vital Manifestation of National Sovereignty Religious affairs constitute an integral part of state governance, and the management of Tibetan Buddhism affairs is a key responsibility of the central government. From a political perspective, the principle of 'central government approval' specifies the national character of reincarnation, incorporating religious matters into the state governance framework. In history, successive central governments of China have managed reincarnation affairs through measures such as conferring titles on influential Living Buddhas and establishing regulatory mechanisms. In 1793, the Qing government promulgated the 'Imperially Approved Ordinance for Better Governance of Tibet (29-Article Ordinance),' with its first article explicitly stipulating that the reincarnation of Living Buddhas had to follow the procedure of 'drawing lots from the golden urn,' and affirming the central government's approval authority over the reincarnation. In 1936, the government of the Republic of China issued the 'Regulations on Lama Reincarnation,' mandating that the reincarnation of grand Living Buddhas must be reported to the central government before proceeding with historical conventions, traditional religious ritual search, the lot-drawing ceremony, and the final approval by the central government. Following the founding of the People's Republic of China, the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhism Living Buddhas has been managed by governments at various levels in accordance with the law. In 1959, the democratic reform abolished the feudal serfdom under theocracy in Xizang, liberating the reincarnation institution and ushering in a new era. Since 1949, the state has successfully overseen the reincarnations of several prominent Living Buddhas, including the 16th Living Buddha Karmapa, the 10th Panchen Erdeni, and the sixth Regent Reting Rinpoche. By 2024, 93 newly reincarnated Living Buddhas had been confirmed upon government approval. The principle of central government approval is not an externally imposed requirement but an inherent necessity for the reincarnation system's own development — a crucial safeguard for maintaining religious order and preventing power abuses. The reincarnation of Living Buddhas is by no means merely an internal religious matter; rather, it reflects a convergence of national sovereignty, state authority, religious doctrine, and the sentiments of believers. Any interference or meddling by external forces constitutes a provocation to China's sovereignty. II. Central Government Approval as a Prerequisite for Safeguarding National Unity and Social Stability Xizang is an inseparable part of China's territory, and the Living Buddha reincarnation system, as a unique succession method in Tibetan Buddhism, is vital for national security and social stability. Allowing local or foreign forces to interfere in reincarnation affairs would pose an immediate threat to China's national unity. The central government's confirmation of the reincarnation fundamentally ensures that the reincarnation process remains within the legal and policy framework of the nation, preventing any attempts to exploit the system to split the country or undermine ethnic unity. Only by upholding the principle of 'central government approval' can the succession of Living Buddhas consistently align with both national interests and the fundamental interests of the vast majority of religious believers. Moreover, central government approval reflects the Chinese government's commitment to implementing the policy of freedom of religious belief. By managing reincarnation in accordance with laws and regulations, the central government not only respects Tibetan Buddhism's traditional customs and religious rituals but also safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of believers, fostering harmony in religious relations. The lot-drawing ceremony was originally established precisely to prevent Mongolian and Tibetan aristocrats from exploiting reincarnation to seize religious power. Today, central government approval serves as a critical line of defense in the struggle against separatists. This governance model both honors religious traditions and defends national political security. III. Central Government Approval as a Legal Declaration of the Governance of Religious Affairs in a Modern State Every country, throughout history and across different regions, without exception, manages its religious affairs in accordance with the law. Currently, affairs related to the reincarnation of Living Buddhas are being carried out in accordance with China's laws and regulations. The Regulations on Religious Affairs have clarified in legal form the approval authority for the reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism. It stipulates that the succession of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, under the guidance of Buddhist organizations, must be conducted in accordance with religious rituals and historical conventions, and must be reported to and approved by the religious affairs department of the people's government at the provincial level or above, or by the people's government at the provincial level or above. Article 9 of the Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism stipulates that after the recognition of the reincarnation of the Living Buddhas, the case must be reported to and approved by the religious affairs department of the people's government at the provincial or autonomous region level. For those with significant influence within the Buddhist community, approval must be obtained from the people's government of the province or autonomous region. For those with major influence, approval must be obtained from the National Religious Affairs Administration. For those with particularly major influence, approval must be obtained from the State Council. Reincarnated Living Buddhas approved by the religious affairs department of the people's government of a province or autonomous region, or by the people's government of a province or autonomous region, must be filed with the National Religious Affairs Administration. Over the course of the years, the Dalai group has continuously advocated 'Tibetan independence,' attempting to negate the central government's decisive authority over the reincarnation of Living Buddhas. Through legal provisions and institutional design, the central government has clearly established the irreversible procedures for the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, namely searching within the Chinese territory, drawing lots from the golden urn, and approval from the central government. This has fundamentally eliminated the room for separatist forces to manipulate religious affairs. From the enshrinement of the golden urn in front of the Buddha statue in the Jokhang Temple in 1793 to the solemn approval by the State Council for the 11th Panchen Erdeni in 1995, the principle of 'approval by the central government' has endured for three centuries. As a core component of the reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, the approval from the central government is both a choice of history and an inevitability of the times. It is deeply rooted in the historical pattern of China as a unified multi-ethnic nation, serves the practical need for the country's long-term stability and security, and reflects the political wisdom of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government in addressing religious issues. The governance logic that political power is above religious authority and national law is superior to religious rules provides a reference for multi-ethnic countries in handling religious affairs. As we advance toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the principle of central government approval will continue to play an irreplaceable role in maintaining national unity, ethnic solidarity, and religious harmony. It will also contribute Chinese wisdom to global religious governance.
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Central government approval is fundamental principle, legal safeguard of Grand Living Buddha reincarnation: signed article
File photo shows flags on the Tian'anmen Square and atop the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China. – Xinhua photo BEIJING (July 2): The following is a signed article by Li Hui, assistant researcher at College of Philosophy, Nankai University. Approval from the Central Government is the Fundamental Principle and Legal Safeguard of Reincarnation of the Grand Living Buddhas In the Tibetan Buddhist reincarnation system, the three fundamental principles of 'search within the Chinese territory, drawing lots from the golden urn, and approval from the central government' form a comprehensive and rigorous framework for succession. This system serves as a vital safeguard for national unity, ethnic solidarity, and the proper order of Tibetan Buddhism. Among these principles, 'approval by the central government' is the system's ultimate and most essential step. Far from being a mere administrative formality, it carries profound historical logic, legal foundation, and practical significance. This principle is essential for ensuring an orderly reincarnation process, as well as for maintaining social stability and enduring peace. I. Central Government Approval as a Vital Manifestation of National Sovereignty Religious affairs constitute an integral part of state governance, and the management of Tibetan Buddhism affairs is a key responsibility of the central government. From a political perspective, the principle of 'central government approval' specifies the national character of reincarnation, incorporating religious matters into the state governance framework. In history, successive central governments of China have managed reincarnation affairs through measures such as conferring titles on influential Living Buddhas and establishing regulatory mechanisms. In 1793, the Qing government promulgated the 'Imperially Approved Ordinance for Better Governance of Tibet (29-Article Ordinance),' with its first article explicitly stipulating that the reincarnation of Living Buddhas had to follow the procedure of 'drawing lots from the golden urn,' and affirming the central government's approval authority over the reincarnation. In 1936, the government of the Republic of China issued the 'Regulations on Lama Reincarnation,' mandating that the reincarnation of grand Living Buddhas must be reported to the central government before proceeding with historical conventions, traditional religious ritual search, the lot-drawing ceremony, and the final approval by the central government. Following the founding of the People's Republic of China, the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhism Living Buddhas has been managed by governments at various levels in accordance with the law. In 1959, the democratic reform abolished the feudal serfdom under theocracy in Xizang, liberating the reincarnation institution and ushering in a new era. Since 1949, the state has successfully overseen the reincarnations of several prominent Living Buddhas, including the 16th Living Buddha Karmapa, the 10th Panchen Erdeni, and the sixth Regent Reting Rinpoche. By 2024, 93 newly reincarnated Living Buddhas had been confirmed upon government approval. The principle of central government approval is not an externally imposed requirement but an inherent necessity for the reincarnation system's own development — a crucial safeguard for maintaining religious order and preventing power abuses. The reincarnation of Living Buddhas is by no means merely an internal religious matter; rather, it reflects a convergence of national sovereignty, state authority, religious doctrine, and the sentiments of believers. Any interference or meddling by external forces constitutes a provocation to China's sovereignty. II. Central Government Approval as a Prerequisite for Safeguarding National Unity and Social Stability Xizang is an inseparable part of China's territory, and the Living Buddha reincarnation system, as a unique succession method in Tibetan Buddhism, is vital for national security and social stability. Allowing local or foreign forces to interfere in reincarnation affairs would pose an immediate threat to China's national unity. The central government's confirmation of the reincarnation fundamentally ensures that the reincarnation process remains within the legal and policy framework of the nation, preventing any attempts to exploit the system to split the country or undermine ethnic unity. Only by upholding the principle of 'central government approval' can the succession of Living Buddhas consistently align with both national interests and the fundamental interests of the vast majority of religious believers. Moreover, central government approval reflects the Chinese government's commitment to implementing the policy of freedom of religious belief. By managing reincarnation in accordance with laws and regulations, the central government not only respects Tibetan Buddhism's traditional customs and religious rituals but also safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of believers, fostering harmony in religious relations. The lot-drawing ceremony was originally established precisely to prevent Mongolian and Tibetan aristocrats from exploiting reincarnation to seize religious power. Today, central government approval serves as a critical line of defense in the struggle against separatists. This governance model both honors religious traditions and defends national political security. III. Central Government Approval as a Legal Declaration of the Governance of Religious Affairs in a Modern State Every country, throughout history and across different regions, without exception, manages its religious affairs in accordance with the law. Currently, affairs related to the reincarnation of Living Buddhas are being carried out in accordance with China's laws and regulations. The Regulations on Religious Affairs have clarified in legal form the approval authority for the reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism. It stipulates that the succession of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, under the guidance of Buddhist organizations, must be conducted in accordance with religious rituals and historical conventions, and must be reported to and approved by the religious affairs department of the people's government at the provincial level or above, or by the people's government at the provincial level or above. Article 9 of the Measures on the Management of the Reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism stipulates that after the recognition of the reincarnation of the Living Buddhas, the case must be reported to and approved by the religious affairs department of the people's government at the provincial or autonomous region level. For those with significant influence within the Buddhist community, approval must be obtained from the people's government of the province or autonomous region. For those with major influence, approval must be obtained from the National Religious Affairs Administration. For those with particularly major influence, approval must be obtained from the State Council. Reincarnated Living Buddhas approved by the religious affairs department of the people's government of a province or autonomous region, or by the people's government of a province or autonomous region, must be filed with the National Religious Affairs Administration. Over the course of the years, the Dalai group has continuously advocated 'Tibetan independence,' attempting to negate the central government's decisive authority over the reincarnation of Living Buddhas. Through legal provisions and institutional design, the central government has clearly established the irreversible procedures for the reincarnation of Living Buddhas, namely searching within the Chinese territory, drawing lots from the golden urn, and approval from the central government. This has fundamentally eliminated the room for separatist forces to manipulate religious affairs. From the enshrinement of the golden urn in front of the Buddha statue in the Jokhang Temple in 1793 to the solemn approval by the State Council for the 11th Panchen Erdeni in 1995, the principle of 'approval by the central government' has endured for three centuries. As a core component of the reincarnation of Living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, the approval from the central government is both a choice of history and an inevitability of the times. It is deeply rooted in the historical pattern of China as a unified multi-ethnic nation, serves the practical need for the country's long-term stability and security, and reflects the political wisdom of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government in addressing religious issues. The governance logic that political power is above religious authority and national law is superior to religious rules provides a reference for multi-ethnic countries in handling religious affairs. As we advance toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the principle of central government approval will continue to play an irreplaceable role in maintaining national unity, ethnic solidarity, and religious harmony. It will also contribute Chinese wisdom to global religious governance. central government China Grand Living Buddha reincarnation
AllAfrica
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- AllAfrica
Japanese auto giants know they need China to survive
Japanese automakers are attempting to make a comeback in China with their local joint venture partners and Chinese suppliers of smart cockpit and self-driving technology. With their combined market share in China down from 24.1% in 2020 to 13.7% in 2024, according to the China Passenger Cars Association, this is perhaps their last chance. As General Manager Li Hui of Toyota China put it at the Auto Shanghai 2025 trade show, 'To deliver cars people want in China, we need Chinese brains and hands involved in development.' Appointed earlier this year, Li is the first Chinese general manager of Toyota China. Even if US President Donald Trump's tariffs were not disrupting their business in North America, the Japanese could not afford to be driven out of the world's largest and most dynamic auto market. More than 31 million new vehicles were sold in China in 2024, according to the Chinese Association of Automobile Manufacturers, of which nearly 13 million were NEVs (New Energy Vehicles, including battery-powered, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles). In comparison, nearly 16 million new vehicles were sold in the US, of which about 3.2 million were NEVs. Auto Shanghai 2025, the 21st iteration of the exhibition, was held from April 23 to May 2. Organized by the Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Shanghai, and the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, the event reportedly attracted nearly 1,000 auto, auto parts and other auto supply chain companies from 26 countries and regions. The exhibition, where 1,366 vehicles were on display, of which 70% were NEVs, drew one million visitors. Car and Driver magazine noted that 'While auto shows have slowly been withering away in the United States, with fewer and fewer in-person reveals each year, the car show is thriving in China.' MotorTrend wrote: 'Back in the '50s Americans used to go to GM's Motorama shows to get a glimpse of the future, gasping in awe at fully functional concept cars like the turbine-powered, titanium-bodied Firebird III and exhibits that showed autonomous driving technologies. Fast forward seven decades and the world comes to China to see the future arriving in real time.' Hoping to be a part of that future, Japanese automakers presented several new vehicles in Shanghai. Toyota launched an electric sedan, the bZ7, which was developed by Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Guangzhou Toyota Motor and Toyota China Co's Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center. Significantly, the bZ7 is equipped with Huawei's HarmonyOS cockpit system. At the exhibit, Toyota's Li spoke about the company's 'One R&D system and Region Chief Engineer approach' to product development in China, which he said 'integrates resources from the Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center by Toyota (China), FAW Toyota, GAC Toyota and its joint venture with BYD into a unified platform, enhancing collaboration with local Chinese suppliers and technology firms…' Toyota also unveiled its latest Lexus ES luxury sedan, which comes in both hybrid and, for the first time, pure battery-powered versions. Honda presented the GAC Honda GT and Dongfeng Honda GT, the second set of 'Ye Series' electric vehicles developed specifically for China. These and other Ye Series cars will use AI technology from DeepSeek to enhance the in-vehicle experience. Nissan presented an electric sedan, the N7, made by Dongfeng Nissan, and a plug-in hybrid pickup, the Frontier Pro, designed and produced by affiliated Zhengzhou Nissan. The N7 is equipped with Momenta's Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). Toyota and Honda also work with Momenta, a Chinese developer of assisted driving technologies that are also used by Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz and GM. Among Chinese automakers, Momenta works with BYD, GAC and SAIC. Momenta's shareholders include SAIC, Toyota and Daimler (Mercedes-Benz). Momenta founder and CEO Cao Xudong said at the exhibit that, 'We are the first Chinese company that has successfully deployed assisted driving technologies, such as highway and city navigation features, across multiple countries worldwide, including Germany, France, and Japan.' Momenta has offices in Stuttgart and Toyota City. Mazda unveiled the new EZ-60 electric SUV developed by Changan Mazda, its joint venture with Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Sony attended the event for the first time, targeting the Chinese in-car entertainment market. German makers are taking a similar approach to the Japanese. On the evening of April 22, the day before the start of the show, Volkswagen announced what it calls 'the next generation of intelligent, fully connected vehicles (ICV).' The company said on its website that, 'Auto Shanghai 2025 marks the beginning of the Volkswagen Group's largest ICV-offensive in China to date. By 2027, the Group will launch more than 20 fully electric and electrified models (NEV) as part of a comprehensive product offensive. By 2030, the Group's brands will offer around 30 all-electric models.' German auto parts, software and services provider Bosch signed a technology cooperation agreement with Chinese automotive AI and ADAS developer Horizon Robotics. Bosch also announced its first order in China for in-vehicle AI computers for vehicle cockpits. Christopher Hartung, president of Bosch Cross-Domain Computing Solutions, told the Chinese press that 'We look forward to collaborating with outstanding partners like Horizon Robotics to jointly advance the global development of intelligent driving technologies.' Like their Japanese competitors, German automakers' share of the Chinese market is now about 13%, according to MarkLines. And like the Japanese, they are seeking ways to bounce back after losing share to local automakers. As the CEO of German auto parts and systems supplier ZF put it, 'If you stop investing here, you get left behind.' The Japanese and Germans should be able to maintain a significant share of China's auto market. The same cannot be said for the Koreans (Hyundai Motor, its affiliate Kia and premium brand Galaxy), whose share has dropped below 2%. Led by General Motors (GM), the Americans have about 9% of China's market, including through their local joint ventures. Tesla accounts for only 2% of total auto sales in China and about 5% of NEV sales. Follow this writer on X: @ScottFo83517667
Yomiuri Shimbun
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japanese Automakers to Incorporate Latest Chinese Technology into EVs; Using Chinese Talent for Chinese Market
The Yomiuri Shimbun Toyota Motor Corp.'s new EV model 'bZ7,' equipped with Huawei's operating system, is seen at Auto Shanghai in Shanghai on Thursday. BEIJING/SHANGHAI — Japanese automakers announced plans to introduce the latest Chinese technologies into their models at the Auto Shanghai motor show held in Shanghai, aiming to regain lost ground in China where electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly becoming the norm. On Wednesday, Toyota Motor Corp. announced its new 'bZ7' electric vehicle (EV) will be equipped with an operating system from Chinese company Huawei. Toyota is developing the new model with an aim to launch it within a year. The automaker also unveiled a plan to appoint young Chinese people to chief engineer positions in charge of developing models for the Chinese market. 'To deliver cars people want in China, we need Chinese brains and hands involved in development,' said Li Hui, the general manager of Toyota China. In China, new car sales by major Japanese automakers declined in 2024 from the previous year, with Toyota decreasing by 6.9%, Nissan Motor Co. by 12.2% and Honda Motor Co. by 30.9%. According to the China Passenger Cars Association, the market share of Japanese automakers in China fell from 24.1% in 2020 to 13.7% in 2024. There are several factors for the decline, such as a delay in developing and launching new energy vehicles (NEVs) such as EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs) in China where competition is intense among major automakers like BYD and startup companies. Additionally, Chinese people have tended toward spending less due to economic downturn. 'It seems to me that Japanese automakers are not really serious about NEVs. Their vehicles lack innovation,' a 24-year-old self-employed man from Shanghai said while looking at Japanese vehicles on display. In order to regain lost ground in China, the world's largest car sales market, Toyota and other Japanese automakers are adopting strategies to utilize Chinese talent and technologies. Honda announced it would adopt the artificial intelligence (AI) technology of Chinese tech startup DeepSeek to develop models for China while it also unveiled a plan to codevelop driver assistance technology with another China-based startup company. They plan to develop technology capable of operating the vehicle in heavily congested areas of Chinese cities, according to Honda. Nissan announced it will make an additional research and development investment of 10 billion yuan (about ¥200 billion) in China by the end of 2026. 'We redefined our strategy for the Chinese market where a major shift toward NEVs is taking place,' Isao Sekiguchi, managing director of Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co., Nissan's joint venture in China, said to reporters, suggesting the company will speed up efforts to develop new models in China. The Yomiuri Shimbun Nissan Motor Co.'s PHV pickup truck 'Frontier Pro' at Auto Shanghai in Shanghai on Wednesday PHVs may be the key to success. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, new PHV sales including exports in 2024 increased by 83% from the previous year to 5.14 million units. The rate of increase exceeded that of EVs at 15%, while 7.71 million EVs were sold in 2024. EVs are now mainstream in urban areas, while people in regional areas apparently prefer PHVs because they use both gasoline and electricity and pose less concern about travel range. Nissan will launch its first PHV pickup truck 'Frontier Pro' before the end of this year. Mazda Motor Corp. announced that its new model 'EZ-60' will be available in both EV and PHV models. 'China is the world's most advanced electrification and smartization market. It is important to focus on partnering with Chinese companies in order to respond to market demand,' a senior official at a Japanese automaker said.
Nikkei Asia
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Nikkei Asia
Toyota picks Huawei, Honda uses DeepSeek for China EVs
SHANGHAI/TOKYO -- Toyota Motor, Nissan Motor and Honda Motor are partnering with Chinese technology companies to design smarter electric vehicles as evolving standards in the market make it difficult for them to compete on their own. "To deliver cars that people want in China, we need Chinese brains and hands involved in development," said Li Hui, general manager of Toyota China, at the ongoing Auto Shanghai trade show.
