Centre for China Analysis and Strategy

CHINA-FIFTH WORLD BUDDHIST FORUM

China convened its Fifth World Buddhist Forum Convened in Putian, Fujian on October 29, 2018. CPPCC Chairman and PBSC member Wang Yang sent a letter of congratulations. Central Committee Secretariat Member and United Front Department Head You Quan (尤权) attended the Forum, where he urged Buddhists to “contribute wisdom to promoting humanity’ welfare and safeguarding world peace.” More than a thousand Buddhists, experts and scholars from 55 countries and regions attended the opening ceremony. United Nations Secretary-General Guterres, Sri Lankan President Sirisena, Myanmar President Wu Wenmin and other foreign political figures, leaders of Buddhist organizations in Japan, South Korea, Canada, the United States, Russia, Cambodia, the Philippines and other countries sent congratulatory letters. The 5th World Buddhist Forum was hosted by the Chinese Buddhist Association and the Chinese Religious Cultural Exchange Association and hosted by the Fujian Organizing Committee.

(Comment: Interesting is that Xinhua did not mention the presence of the China-appointed Panchen Lama at the Forum. He usually attends the Forums.)