The 14th Dalai Lama’s choice, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, was declared invalid by the Chinese government, which then used the golden urn to appoint Gyancain Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama. Nyima and his family were detained and are missing, according to outside authorities, although Chinese authorities insist he and his family are living a normal life in Tibet and do not wish to be disturbed.