On 12 March 2018, Fiona Bruce, Conservative MP for Congleton and member of the Human Rights joint Committee raised a written question to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, requesting further information on

“What recent representations his Department has made to the Chinese authorities on the demolition of (a) Christian churches, (b) Tibetan Buddhist institutes and (c) religious buildings in China.”

The Chinese government ordered the demolition of dwellings in Larung Gar on 20 July 2016. Larung Gar is one of the world’s largest and most influential Tibetan Buddhist institutes.

The population reduction is part of a strategy by the Chinese authorities to place the Institute under government control and ensure it conforms to Party policy. The strategy includes increased surveillance, “ideological guidance” and the creation of management committees led by government officials.