China Accused of Demolishing Hundreds of Buddhist Stupas and Sacred Statues in Tibet

Chinese authorities have reportedly demolished hundreds of Buddhist stupas and destroyed sacred religious statues near a monastery in eastern Tibet, triggering international concern over the preservation of Tibetan religious and cultural heritage. Reports from Tibetan sources and rights organisations claim the demolitions took place in Drakgo County in the traditional Tibetan region of Kham during late May and June 2025.

According to reports, Chinese authorities razed more than 300 medium-sized Tibetan Buddhist stupas and three larger stupas at Lungrab Zang-ri near Janggang Monastery. Officials also allegedly destroyed a newly built statue of Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, founder of the Serthar Buddhist Institute, along with a sacred statue of Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most revered spiritual figures.

Restrictions and Information Blackout Reported

Tibetan advocacy organisations claim that following the demolitions, Chinese authorities imposed strict restrictions on the surrounding region, limiting movement and communication. Reports suggest that residents were warned against discussing the incident publicly, while access to the monastery area was heavily restricted.

Sources cited in multiple reports allege that individuals attempting to share information about the destruction faced threats of detention under accusations of “leaking state secrets.” Rights groups described the measures as part of broader efforts to suppress independent reporting and public discussion related to Tibet.

China Says Structures Violated Regulations

Chinese authorities reportedly justified the demolitions by claiming that the stupas had been constructed on “government land” and violated local regulations. However, Tibetan groups and international observers have criticised the explanation, arguing that the destruction reflects wider policies aimed at controlling Tibetan religious practices and cultural identity.

Human rights advocates say the incident is part of a broader campaign to increase state control over Tibetan monasteries and religious institutions under policies promoting the “Sinicisation” of religion in China. Reports indicate that tighter regulations on monasteries and religious education have expanded since the implementation of new administrative rules introduced in 2025.

International Concern Over Tibetan Cultural Heritage

Tibetan exile organisations and international rights groups have condemned the reported destruction, describing it as a serious attack on Tibetan Buddhism and centuries-old cultural heritage. Scholars and activists have also linked the incident to historical destruction carried out during China’s Cultural Revolution, when thousands of Tibetan monasteries and religious sites were damaged or destroyed.

Experts on Tibetan studies argue that Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are not only religious centres but also key institutions preserving Tibetan language, philosophy, art, and identity. Some scholars have warned that repeated destruction of sacred sites could permanently damage Tibet’s cultural heritage.

China Rejects Allegations of Cultural Suppression

Beijing has consistently denied accusations of cultural repression in Tibet and maintains that its policies are designed to preserve social stability, economic development, and national unity. Chinese officials frequently argue that Tibet has benefited from government investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and poverty reduction programs.

Chinese authorities also reject international criticism over religious restrictions, stating that all religious activities in China must operate within the framework of national laws and regulations. However, rights organisations continue to express concern regarding limits on religious freedom, surveillance, and state control over Tibetan Buddhist institutions.

Global Attention on Tibet Continues

The reported demolition of Buddhist stupas and sacred statues has renewed global attention on the situation in Tibet amid wider international debates over human rights, religious freedom, and cultural preservation in China. Analysts say incidents involving Tibetan monasteries increasingly carry geopolitical significance as tensions between China and Western countries continue to grow.