US asks China to address concerns regarding demolition at Larung Gar Buddhist Institute

The United States has asked China “to cease actions that may escalate tensions” on account of the demolition at a famed Tibetan Buddhist learning center, Larung Gar Buddhist Institute. During the Daily Press Briefing on August 8, State Department Spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau responded to a question by expressing the United States’ concerns.

Following is the full text of the Question and Answer relating to Larungar.

State Department
Elizabeth Trudeau
Director, Press Office
Daily Press Briefing
Washington, DC
August 8, 2016

QUESTION: Right. Another demolition-related question, but this time it’s on Tibet. I wonder if you have anything to say about reports that Chinese has launched demolition against a Tibetan Buddhist institute without their consent.

MS TRUDEAU: Yes, we have seen those reports and we are concerned that Chinese authorities initiated the demolition of residences at Larung Gar Tibetan Buddhist Institute without the consent of the institute’s leaders. We urge authorities to cease actions that may escalate tensions and to pursue forthright consultations with the institute’s leaders to address any safety concerns in a way that does not infringe on the right of Tibetans to practice their religion freely.