State media reports have revealed that the Panchen Lama, Tibet's second highest ranking Tibetan monk and chosen by Beijing, has been elevated to China's top advisory body.

Xinhua news agency said," The 11th Panchen Lama, one of the two most senior living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism, is now a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference."

Gyaincain Norbu, 20, was one of 13 people to become members of the national committee of the CPPCC whose more than 2,000 members are private entrepreneurs, academics, celebrities and other public figures including religious and cultural. The CPPCC does not make laws or appoint officials but its members have acknowledged influence with senior government officials and lawmakers.

Panchen Lama was praised by Hao Peng, executive vice chairman of the Tibet regional government for "his participation in social activities and holding of social positions are of great significance for demonstrating the role of the living Buddhas in Tibetan Buddhism and encouraging more believers to participate in state affairs."

Some Tibet watchers see the new political status of the Panchen Lama as a direct insult to the globe-trotting self-exiled Dalai Lama. The media-friendly monk is accused by Beijing of constantly stirring up separatist sentiments in the Autonomous Region of Tibet, as Tibet is known within China.

The Chinese Press always criticizes the political leaders around the world who meet with the Dalai Lama. When U. S. President Barack Obama met Dalai Lama last month the China Daily newspaper had severely criticized the meeting. (With inputs from Agencies)