FUZHOU, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu prayed for earlier reunification of China during his recent visit to eastern Fujian Province, which is opposite to Taiwan across the Taiwan Straits.

    He expressed the belief that China is destined to realize the national reunification at an earlier date under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

    The living Buddha spent eight days in Fuzhou, Putian, Quanzhou and Xiamen from December 19 to 26, visiting a number of museums commemorating Chinese patriotic heroes, sites of historical interests and companies.

    He said he was confident that Chinese people of all ethnic groups can live a happy life only under the leadership of the CPC.

    While visiting some local temples, the 17-year-old living Buddha called upon religious followers to love the country and love the religion, safeguard the nation and work for the benefit of the people, and contribute to national unity, reunification of the motherland and social harmony.

    He said he was happy to be in Fujian, which he had long wished to visit, and he learnt a lot during the trip.

    He also thanked local people for donations and aid to support social and economic development in Ningchi Prefecture of Tibet Autonomous Region.

    Gyaincain Norbu, born on February 13, 1990 in Lhari county of Nagqu Prefecture in northern Tibet, was approved by the central government in November 1995 as the reincarnation of the 10th Panchen Lama after a lot drawing ceremony among three candidates in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, and was enthroned as the 11th Panchen Lama on Dec. 8, 1995.