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报告摘要

Summary of "Buddhism: A New Frontier in the China-India Rivalry"

Core Content

This document explores how Buddhism has become a strategic tool in the diplomatic and cultural rivalry between China and India, particularly in the context of Tibet and Buddhist communities in Southeast Asia. It highlights the soft power implications of Buddhism for both nations, as well as the political and religious tensions surrounding the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama.

Main Points

Buddhism as a Tool for Cultural Soft Power

India: Sees Buddhism as a means to enhance its cultural influence in Southeast Asia and to preserve Tibetan Buddhist heritage after the Dalai Lama's exile.
China: Views Buddhism as a way to maintain social stability and control the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy. It has begun to promote Buddhism as an "ancient Chinese religion" and has increased its religious outreach.

The Dalai Lama's Role in the Rivalry

The fourteenth Dalai Lama is central to the Tibet issue, and his reincarnation is a sensitive topic for China.
China refuses to recognize the Dalai Lama as a legitimate religious leader and has pressured foreign governments to exclude him from official visits.
India hosts the Dalai Lama and the heads of all four main Tibetan Buddhist sects, reinforcing its cultural and religious ties with the Tibetan diaspora.

China's Efforts to Control Tibetan Buddhism

China has isolated the Dalai Lama by pressuring foreign leaders and blocking his visits to Nepal.
It has promoted the Panchen Lama (China-appointed) and Shugden worship to undermine the Dalai Lama's authority.
China has organized international Buddhist forums to assert its influence over Tibetan Buddhist communities and to promote its own interpretation of Buddhism.
It has also attempted to co-opt Nepalese politicians and control the Lumbini development project, which is the birthplace of the Buddha.

India's Buddhist Outreach and Diplomacy

India has hosted large-scale Buddhist conferences, such as the Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC) in 2011, to unify Buddhist traditions and enhance its global standing.
The Nalanda Buddhist Conference in 2017 aimed to bring together Buddhist lamas from across Asia, including Japan, Mongolia, and Southeast Asia.
Buddhism is a key element of India's diplomatic strategy with Japan and Mongolia, where it has historical and cultural ties.
The Tibetan community in India plays a significant role in maintaining the Dalai Lama's influence and supporting the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Buddhism in Nepal

Nepal is a key location for Buddhist diplomacy, especially due to its connection with Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.
China has invested in Lumbini's development, including a $3 billion plan and the establishment of religious institutions.
India and China both seek influence over Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, which are powerful religious entities.

Current Trends and Concerns

China is increasingly concerned about the growth of Buddhism in the country and has tightened controls on monks and religious activities.
India is expanding its Buddhist outreach, leveraging its historical role as the birthplace of Buddhism and the presence of Tibetan Buddhist leaders.
Rivalries within the Dalai Lama's office have grown, with criticism of Indian Tibetans holding too much power.
The potential for conflict over Tibetan Buddhist institutions in Lumbini and other regions remains a point of contention between India and China.

Key Information

India has 8 million Buddhists as of 2011.
The GBC in 2011 was one of the largest gatherings of Buddhist leaders since King Asoka.
China has hosted World Buddhist Forums since the mid-2000s to promote its Buddhist narrative.
The Panchen Lama, the second highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism, is under Chinese control.
The Dalai Lama's reincarnation is a highly politicized issue, with China claiming authority over the process.
Nepal has been used as a strategic location by both India and China for Buddhist influence.
Lumbini is a symbolic and strategic site for China, with ongoing development plans.
Modi's diplomatic efforts have emphasized Buddhist ties with Japan and Mongolia, highlighting India's soft power.

Conclusion

Buddhism serves as a strategic cultural and religious asset for both India and China, but the Tibet issue and the Dalai Lama's status have deepened the rivalry. While India leverages its historical Buddhist legacy to enhance its global influence, China seeks to control the Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy and assert its sovereignty over Tibet. The role of Nepal and Lumbini further illustrates the geopolitical significance of Buddhism in the India-China relationship.