BEIJING, April 21-- The new leadership of the Buddhist Association of China was elected on Tuesday, with Master Xuecheng elected president.

A total of 32 vice presidents were also elected, including the11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu. The 32 cover four Chinese ethnic groups: Han, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Dai.

While addressing the closing ceremony of the three-day conference, Xuecheng said that Buddhism in China should carry forward a benevolent and helpful spirit and make achievements in the new era.

The eminent monk also urged Chinese Buddhism to embrace patriotism and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Also elected at the conference were the association's three honorary presidents. They are Pagbalha Geleg Namgyae, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Yicheng and Chuanyin, both former presidents of the national association.

About 600 delegates from China's religious circles attended the conference in Beijing.