China is accused of stifling Buddhism

SHANGHAI, China — China is threatening the future of Tibetan Buddhism by limiting the number of monks and discouraging festivals, a watchdog group said in a report. The actions are part of a campaign to tighten control of the Himalayan region.

Authorities are reducing time for religious study in monasteries by requiring political classes, while ordinary Tibetans are under increased pressure to denounce the Dalai Lama, the region's exiled leader, said the report issued this month by the International Campaign for Tibet.

"Undermining Tibet's religion is directly linked to China's political and economic priorities," one of its authors, Kate Saunders, said by phone from Washington, where the group is based.

Buddhism is the core of Tibet's cultural identity, but China's ruling Communist Party views it as a threat to political control of the region, Saunders said.

Tibet has 1,700 temples and monasteries and 46,000 clergy, according to official Chinese figures.