This year marks the 30th anniversary of the disappearance of Panchen Lama Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted this significant date, recalling that days after the Dalai Lama recognized Gedhun Choekyi Nyima as an important Tibetan Buddhist leader, Chinese authorities abducted him and his family. They have not been seen since their abduction.
Rubio called for action from Chinese authorities, stating: "Chinese authorities should release Gedhun Choekyi Nyima immediately and stop persecuting Tibetans for their religious beliefs."
The case of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima has been a point of contention in international human rights discussions regarding China's treatment of Tibetan religious figures and followers.