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Japan Forward
a day ago
- Politics
- Japan Forward
Tibet in Focus as Global Lawmakers Convene in Tokyo
Lawmakers and experts from 29 countries gathered in Tokyo from June 2 to 4 for the 9th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet (WPCT). The event concluded with the adoption of the "Tokyo Declaration." A forceful rebuke of China's policies in Tibet, it calls for international legislative action to safeguard the region's culture, environment, and religious freedom. This was the first time Japan hosted the convention, reaffirming its growing voice in regional human rights diplomacy. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, the world's largest such group, jointly organized the convention. Coinciding with the upcoming 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in July, the timing and venue carried symbolic weight. At the heart of the Tokyo Declaration lies a stern condemnation of the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing efforts to forcibly assimilate Tibetans into Han Chinese culture. Lawmakers denounced the widespread use of colonial-style boarding schools, where over a million Tibetan children are reportedly separated from their families. These schools impose Mandarin-language curricula, erasing Tibetan cultural and religious identity. The declaration also reaffirmed that Tibet was historically an independent nation prior to its annexation by China in 1950. It explicitly rejected Beijing's narrative that Tibet has always been an inseparable part of China, calling it a "false claim" designed to legitimize authoritarian rule and suppress calls for autonomy. The 24-point statement urged global legislatures to adopt pro-Tibet resolutions, resist Chinese disinformation, and support the CTA, often referred to as Tibet's government-in-exile. One of the most sensitive topics discussed was the question of the Dalai Lama's succession. The declaration emphasized that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is solely a religious matter that must remain free from Chinese political interference. Delegates voiced concern that Beijing, by trying to appoint its own state-approved successor to the Dalai Lama, is attempting to undermine Tibetan Buddhism and use that control to legitimize its rule over Tibet. Chinese police patrol in front of the Potala Palace in Tibet's capital Lhasa in a file photo. (Radio Free Asia via Central Tibetan Administration) Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile addressed these concerns. "If Tibet is truly a model of harmony and development as Beijing claims, then show it to the world. Let truth speak for itself," she declared. In the face of growing surveillance and suppression, she praised the courage of Tibetan youth like Namkyi. A Tibetan activist and former political prisoner, Namkyi was arrested at age 15 for peacefully protesting Chinese rule in Tibet. After enduring years of imprisonment and torture, she escaped to India. Now, she speaks out internationally about human rights abuses under Chinese occupation. "Her bravery is not just a story of resistance," Teykhang said. "It's a call to the whole of humanity." The choice of Tokyo as host city was both strategic and symbolic. Japan, as a stable democracy and a Buddhist-majority country, has shown increasing interest in Tibet-related human rights issues. In 2024, several Japanese prefectural assemblies passed resolutions in support of Tibet, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, and Hong Kongers. "Japan values peace, the rule of law, and nature. Tibet does too," said Eriko Yamatani, Chairperson of the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet. She noted that Tibet's ecological significance, home to the headwaters of Asia's ten major rivers, makes its protection a global imperative. "This land sustains 1.8 billion people across Asia," she warned. "Protecting its environment transcends borders." Participants hailed Japan's hosting of the WPCT as a milestone that would strengthen Japan-Tibet ties and reinvigorate global support for Tibetan self-determination. Delegates from communities also facing Chinese repression, such as Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, and Southern Mongolians, attended the convention, reinforcing a broader alliance of victims of Chinese authoritarianism. The convention revived the International Network of Parliamentary Agents on Tibet to coordinate joint efforts, and also called for enhanced cooperation with groups like the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC). "The issues we face, religious suppression, forced assimilation, and environmental devastation, are interconnected," Teykhang said. "A threat to human dignity in one corner of the world echoes across all borders." In addition to the Tokyo Declaration, the WPCT adopted an Action Plan that outlines concrete steps for national parliaments and international institutions. These include: Promoting legislation to counter CCP narratives. Protecting Tibetan diaspora communities from Chinese interference. Advocating for Tibet's inclusion in climate and biodiversity frameworks. Encouraging direct political support for the CTA and Tibetan civil society. The convention also adopted a resolution celebrating the Dalai Lama's lifelong advocacy for nonviolence, pluralism, and interfaith dialogue. Participants pledged to honor his 90th birthday on July 6 as a global "Year of Compassion." Still, challenges remain. A recent cut in United States government aid to the Tibetan exile community has raised concerns about the sustainability of its political institutions. CTA President Penpa Tsering noted that while financial setbacks were difficult, they would not derail the movement. "We are diversifying our funding sources, and we look to Japan and other allies for support," he said. CTA President Penpa Tsering. June 3, at the First Members' Office Building of the House of Representatives (©Sankei by Shimpei Okuhara). As the curtains closed on the three-day convention, the mood was both solemn and resolute. "We have not just shared pain," Teykhang said in her final remarks. "We have forged purpose." Author: Daniel Manning
Hans India
2 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Dalai Lama urges peaceful dialogue with China
Dharamshala The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported that His Holiness the Dalai Lama's message for the convention was delivered in Tokyo by Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang of the 17th Tibetan Parliament in Exile during the opening session of the ongoing 9th World Parliamentarians' Convention on Tibet. According to the CTA report, His Holiness the Dalai Lama said in his message, 'The support of people's representatives is something that I particularly value and is of enormous significance to us Tibetans,' while extending greetings to all the attending parliament members from many nations. 'Today, the world is going through very challenging times. Sadly, there seems to be no end in sight to the use of violence in settling problems and disputes between nations and even between opposing groups within individual countries. History shows that violence only breeds more violence. We must therefore make concerted efforts to resolve problems and disputes through dialogue in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding. We Tibetans are committed to seeking a mutually acceptable solution with a peaceful, non-violent path to achieve freedom and dignity for the Tibetan people,' stated CTA report. The message continued, 'The spirit of Tibetans in Tibet remains firm like a mountain. Their dedication to our cause is strong, unwavering, and determined as it is based on truth and justice. I am hopeful that the Chinese people will recognise this. Ours is the peaceful struggle of a people with their language, profound philosophy, and rich culture. Tibetan Buddhism is a complete form of Buddhism based on reasoning and logic. It is a tradition that preserves and develops the pure teaching derived from the historic Indian University of Nalanda. Central to this is the cultivation of compassion and concern for the welfare of all being,' as quoted by the CTA report. The message also emphasises how Buddhism is becoming more and more popular among Chinese people, who acknowledge it as an essential component of their spiritual history. His Holiness has also acknowledged the importance of Buddhist philosophy and psychology in modern research and the increasing interest of scientists in these fields. The message emphasised the value of education that fosters both intellectual and emotional growth and recognised His Holiness' genuine support of programs like social and emotional learning instruction in schools. In the pursuit of a better future, His Holiness stated, 'I hope that over time, we will be able to incorporate such human values as kindness and integrity into mainstream education curricula,' according to the CTA report. His Holiness concluded by expressing gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support of the Tibetan people's noble struggle. 'I think the truth will win out in the end,' the CTA report emphasised.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Himachal: No solution without direct talks with China, says Tibetan leader
The political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Sikyong Penpa Tsering, while acknowledging the existence of back-channel communications with the People's Republic of China (PRC), said that no solution can be achieved without direct engagement with the Chinese government. He asserted that regardless of whether the political stance is the middle way or complete independence, no solution can be achieved without direct engagement with the Chinese government. Tsering, who is in Japan along with other exile-government leaders, said this while addressing the Tibetan community in Tokyo. The last round of dialogue between Chinese officials and envoys of the Dalai Lama took place in China in January 2010. The talks have not resumed since. There have been two series of dialogues so far (1979-1989 and 2022-2010). Notably, Tibetan spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, has said in his new book that the Chinese leadership 'lacked courage and political will' to resolve the Tibet issue. During his address in Tokyo, Penpa Tsering, outlined the political efforts of the Tibetan leadership to resolve the long-standing Tibet–China conflict. 'It is important to demonstrate and prove to the international community that Tibet was historically an independent nation to legitimise the Tibetan struggle and reinforce the Central Tibetan Administration's Middle Way Approach,' the Tibetan leader said. Rather than seeking independence, the Middle Way advocates for genuine autonomy for Tibetans, enabling them to preserve their language, religion, culture, and environment. Sikyong also said that, because of the tireless efforts of the 14th Dalai Lama, the Tibetan freedom movement has gained global recognition. He also urged Tibetans in exile to continue advocacy and lobbying efforts in their host countries, encouraging Japanese Tibetans to contribute actively and enhance solidarity for the cause in Japan. The 14th Dalai Lama in his recent book 'Voice for the Voiceless' says, 'My stance on how best to resolve the issue of Tibet has been consistent since the discussions with Beijing began in 1979. I have called this the Middle Way Approach. At the core of this approach was the search for a robust framework that would offer the ability for the Tibetans to continue to survive as a distinct people with dignity, with their unique language, culture, ecology and Buddhist faith.'
Canada Standard
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Canada Standard
Sikyong Penpa Tsering urges Tibetan unity during North America tour amid ongoing China-Tibet tensions
Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India] May 29 (ANI): Sikyong Penpa Tsering, leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), made his second official trip to Vancouver Island, Canada, on May 26. During this visit, he spoke to the local Tibetan community at an event hosted by the Tibetan Cultural Society of Vancouver Island, as reported by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). Sikyong recognised that the struggles undertaken by the first generation established a pathway for future advancement, granting younger generations better access to education, healthcare, and opportunities while maintaining their cultural heritage. He emphasised the increasing significance of population digitalisation as an essential tool in governance, particularly for communities in exile or those that are underrepresented. He pointed out how digitising population data facilitates accurate demographic assessments, improves public service delivery, and leads to better-informed decision-making, according to the CTA report. Sikyong Penpa Tsering also emphasised the relevance of the Middle Way Approach, a visionary plan introduced by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, which aims for a peaceful and mutually beneficial resolution to the Tibet issue within the framework of the People's Republic of China. His Holiness has long highlighted the long-term and reciprocal benefits of this strategy for not only Tibetans but for Chinese society as well. Instead of pursuing independence, the Middle Way advocates for genuine autonomy for Tibetans, allowing them to protect their language, religion, culture, and environment, as noted by the CTA report. He further stated that a nation embodies a collective political identity; however, it is crucial to acknowledge and safeguard Tibetan identity within this context. This recognition is particularly vital for the three traditional regions of Tibet--U-Tsang, Amdo, and Kham, which together constitute the cultural and historical essence of the Tibetan nation. The Middle Way Approach ensures the rights and dignity of all Tibetans from these regions are maintained while fostering harmony and coexistence with the Chinese populace, the CTA report highlighted. Sikyong Penpa Tsering also discussed promoting Tibetan identity through Buddhism and compassion. He contemplated the global acknowledgement of Tibetans, attributing much of it to Tibetan Buddhism, which has acted as an essential cultural and spiritual link between Tibet and the international community, according to the CTA report. Sikyong ended his remarks by urging the Tibetan community to adhere to these principles to secure a promising future for Tibet and its people. During his trip, Sikyong Penpa Tsering engaged with significant US government representatives in Washington DC, and visited nine locations across North America, including various cities in the US and Canada. He delivered speeches and interacted with Tibetan communities and youth in these regions, as reported by the CTA. As per the CTA report, the North American tour wrapped up on May 27, with his departure from Vancouver Island to Japan. Throughout his official visit and engagements, Sikyong Penpa Tsering met with key US government officials in Washington, DC, and conducted visits to nine locations across North America, involving cities in both the US and Canada. He gave speeches and engaged with Tibetan communities and youth in these areas. The North American tour concluded on May 27, as he left Vancouver Island to begin his subsequent official visit in Japan. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Tibet groups call on Nepalese film festival to cancel Xizang Panorama
A coalition of 145 global Tibet-related organisations have called on the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) to cancel 'Xizang Panorama' immediately, which they claim is China's 'propaganda'. 'Xizang Panorama' is a program under KIMFF's international category, featuring a selection of six short films, each approximately 15 minutes long. The country of origin listed for all the films is China. The organisations have maintained that KIMFF's 'Xizang Panorama' wrongly refers to Tibet with the name 'Xizang' which they said is a term that the Chinese government is promoting as a tool of imperial erasure and its use undermines the distinct historical and cultural identity of Tibet. Kathmandu is hosting the 22nd edition of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF), from May 28 to June 1. The Dharamshala-based Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in the past also opposed the usage of 'Xizang' instead of Tibet – calling it Chinese propaganda. 'The programme – Xizang Panorama – is not only inaccurately named 'Xizang', but it also features propaganda films that showcase China's false narrative about the situation in Tibet. One such is 'Life of Buda' which promotes China's false narrative of the occupation of Tibet as a 'peaceful liberation' ,the organisations said in a statement. The organisations include India Tibet Friendship Society, Students for a Free Tibet, The Global Alliance for Tibet and Persecuted Minorities, US Tibet Committee, V-TAG United Kingdom, Tibetan Women's Association among others. Meanwhile, Dharamshala based Tibetan writer and activist Tenzin Tsundue said that it is unfortunate that a select group of Nepalese politicians are allowing the sacred land of Nepal for Chinese propaganda on Tibet. 'This is never the wish of the Nepalese people who are like brothers and sisters to the Tibetans inside Tibet, suffering under Chinese communist dictatorship. In the 7th century, Nepalese princess Bhrikuti Devi was offered as queen to emperor Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, not Xizang. Tibet may be under foreign occupation today, but tomorrow, when we re-established the entire country of 2.5 million km of land as Tibet, with what face will Nepal face the Dalai Lama?' he said.
