Author: By Staff Writer

In his keynote address at the ‘Weaponisation of One China Policy’ seminar hosted by the Foundation for Non-Violent Alternatives (FNVA) on Tuesday at the India International Centre in New Delhi, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, also known as the Tibetan government-in-exile, Penpa Tsering, said that China has misinterpreted the ‘One China Policy’ when it comes to Tibet and that its application to Tibet has no historical basis.

He told the audience, which included veteran diplomats and prominent experts from a variety of institutions to discuss various aspects of the One China Policy and its implications, that “One China policy or One China principle has nothing to do with Tibet and for Tibet; you will have to look at it from a totally different prism or historical perspective.”

He used a passage from the autobiography of the late Tibetan ambassador Lodi Gyari to argue that there is no historical foundation for applying the One China Policy to Tibet. During the 1970s, the United States made an attempt to build ties with both the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan), he said, and this strategy grew out of that. The President has spoken out against China for its misguided implementation of the One China Policy to Tibet. Because of this misunderstanding, various countries have been misled into limiting their contact with Tibetan exile leaders like His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the only legal government of all of China, including Taiwan, and the One China Policy is a diplomatic stance that maintains this and rejects any recognition of Taiwan as a distinct sovereign entity. Tibetans have long been demanding independence and respect for their religious and cultural practices, making the subject of Tibet a pressing one. China utilizes the One China Policy to silence critics and consolidate power, since it views Tibet as an inalienable part of Chinese territory.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering prompted people to think on what happened between 1945 and 1951, as well as 1954. He stressed the need of separating the history of Tibet from China and the One China Policy. The 17-point agreement between Tibet and China was signed under duress, and his speech shed light on it. The Tibetan administration made every attempt to follow the deal, but China ultimately rejected it, forcing His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans into exile.

The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile organized a five-day youth engagement workshop on “Youth Engagement: Capacity and Awareness Building” that got under way on July 24, 2023. Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang attended the start of the five-day training.

In his opening remarks, the speaker emphasized the workshop’s goals and objectives, which include teaching the next generation about Tibet’s legacy in terms of politics, culture, morality, and other areas. He also asserted that these young people will take care of Tibet in the future and will be the true representatives of the Tibetan struggle.

He encouraged the participants to actively participate in the democratic functioning of the Tibetan diaspora and take a greater interest in learning how the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE) operates and advised them to use the three traditional methods of learning, thinking, and contemplation in any situations of uncertainty.

The Speaker continued, “With His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s gracious blessing, Tibet’s problem has reached a higher level on the world arena. It is therefore imperative that the younger generation contribute to lessening the impact of the Sino-Tibetan conflict.

He spoke briefly on the critical state of religion, culture, the environment, human rights, and other issues in Chinese-occupied Tibet and exhorted the young minds to have the vision and the willpower to put their visions for the Tibetan cause into action.

The workshop’s goal, which is to equip young people with the knowledge they need of the Central Tibetan Administration and to improve their ability to express their opinions and make decisions, was explained to the audience by the Deputy Speaker during her speech.

The Central Tibetan Administration will steer Tibet’s younger generation in the right direction, but it is the young people’s responsibility to take the initiative in contributing to the greater cause of Tibet. The Deputy Speaker noted that youth play a significant role in determining the future direction of the Tibetan struggle.

Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel began the day by outlining the historical context and introducing the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. The Speaker began by defining the term “democracy” and providing a brief explanation before going into great length on the history, operations, and makeup of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. A short discussion of the many forms of democracy, including direct democracy, representative democracy, constitutional democracy, and others, was given by the Speaker.

While the Deputy Speaker provided information on the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s outreach initiatives and their importance in relation to the Sino-Tibetan conflict. The Deputy Speaker spoke extensively about the specifics of the TPiE’s periodic visits, including visits to Tibetan settlements, sweater-sellers’ neighborhoods, and clusters of Tibetan communities; state advocacy campaigns; international outreach initiatives for Tibet; meetings with Indian MPs and leaders; the revival of the All Part Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet (APIPFT) and the International Network of Parliamentarians on Tibet (INPaT); the organization of local Tibetan workshops; and a visit to a Tibetan refugee camp.

The attendees were given a briefing on the political segment of the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile by MP Tsering Yangchen in the session that followed.

The attendees were informed on the operation of the Gyundrel (Finance) department of the Standing Committee of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile by MP Dorjee Tseten during an interactive session.

Following Q&A sessions for each session, attendees brainstormed ideas related to the topics covered over the day.

The participants will be given a guided tour of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on the second day of the program to offer them an inside look at the CTA’s initiatives.

New Delhi, July 24, 2023: On July 23, 2023, a crucial meeting was called by the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India (CGTC-I), which speaks on behalf of all Tibet Support Groups (TSGs) in India. The meeting was held in the New Delhi office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The meeting, which was presided over by CGTC-I National Convener Shri R. K. Khrimey, included National Co-Conveners Ven. Lama Chosphel Zotpa, Shri Surendra Kumar, and Shri Arvind Nikose, as well as prominent individuals like Lobsang Shastri, a representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s bureau, and Tenzin Lekshay, additional secretary of DIIR, CTA. Twelve CGTC-I regional conveners as well as the coordinator and employees of the India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO) were also present.

The meeting’s opening remarks were made by Tashi Dekyi, Deputy Coordinator of ITCO, who also gave a brief rundown of the agenda. Thupten Rinzin’s debut as the new ITCO Coordinator was also seen by the crowd.

A minute of silence was spent in honor of the Tibetan Martyrs and Tibet Support Group members who had given their life to the Tibbat Mukti Sadhana cause in a moving act of remembering.

The first meeting following the CGTC-I’s reorganization, the members used the chance to identify themselves. Shri R. K. Khrimey emphasized the importance of the reformation of the CGTC-I and its crucial role in the Tibetan cause in his opening comments. He outlined two main goals for the group: the first was to help His Holiness the Dalai Lama/CTA leadership representatives and the Government of the People’s Republic of China resume their dialogue; the second was to make an appeal to India and other world leaders to put pressure on the Chinese leadership to prioritize the dialogue.

The Dalai Lama’s representative, Lobsang Shastri, reaffirmed the long-standing ties between India and Tibet by highlighting their common Guru-Chela connection. He sent his best wishes for a fruitful meeting and offered his sincere thanks to the Indian government and people for their consistent support of the Tibetan community over the last six decades.

The topic of debate was the course of action after the 7th All India Tibet Support Groups Conference (AITSG), which was held in New Delhi on November 28th and 29th, 2022. Under the direction of the CGTC-I Regional Conveners, plans were developed for the TSGs to implement the suggested activities via coordinated efforts. The goals, structure, and operating guidelines of CGTC-I were also modified during the conference, and a five-member committee was established to finalize these revisions.

Participants stressed the need of increasing Tibet knowledge among the broader Indian public to support the Tibetan independence cause, realizing the crucial necessity for a strong relationship between CGTC-I and TSGs. To improve the Core Group’s activities and guarantee the continuing spirit of Tibet Mukti Sadhana (Tibetan Freedom Movement), constructive criticism and recommendations were shared.

The India Tibet Coordination Office (ITCO), New Delhi, planned how the conference would be facilitated.

At the Country Club in Sainik Farms, New Delhi, a dinner was thrown in honor of the Core Group for Tibetan Cause – India members as a sign of unity and fraternity. Dr. Vijay Jolly, a senior BJP politician and passionate supporter of Tibet, generously hosted the meal. Dr. Jolly sent his warmest wishes to every member of the CGTC-I and reaffirmed his unshakable support for the cause of the Tibetans.

As the CGTC-I takes aggressive measures to promote the Tibetan cause and improve links between India and Tibet, the gathering represents a critical turning point in the continuing battle for Tibet’s liberation. The Core Group and its affiliated support organizations are recommitted to maintaining the Tibet Mukti Sadhana’s brilliant light.

The foreigner who was shown in an internet video deliberately kicking down multiple stacks of Mani stones, which are regarded as holy and symbolize the beliefs of the Tibetan people, has been found, according to police in west China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, and they are investigating the incident.

On Friday, a travel blogger shared a video of a guy apparently intending to knock down Mani stones while it was being recorded. The Mount Qomolangma, or Everest, Base Camp, is located in Tingri County, Shigatse, and is where the film was shot.

Shigatse police stated they have located the individual and are looking into the situation.

Mani stones have unique engravings, mantras, and slogans. Tibetan devotees worship and study the six-lettered texts etched on the stones.

India’s approach to Tibet has been unduly circumspect, and it has reiterated its acceptance of Tibet as a Chinese autonomous province. However, this strategy has made India more vulnerable to Chinese coercion.

Tibet has historically played a significant role in the intricate connection between China and India. Despite its importance, Tibet is still seen as an afterthought in Sino-Indian ties, which casts a heavy pall over bilateral dealings. India’s approach to Tibet has been unduly circumspect, and it has reiterated its acceptance of Tibet as a Chinese autonomous province. However, this strategy has made India more vulnerable to Chinese coercion.
The Tibetan Movement and India
It is safe to claim that without India’s strategic assistance, the Tibetan problem and its national movement would not have gained traction. India repeated its stance on accepting Tibet as a part of China on the condition that Lhasa exercised complete autonomy, which Beijing never respected, during Rajiv Gandhi’s visit to China in 1988, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 34 years. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Indian Prime Minister, made same claims in 2003. However, there has been a noticeable change in India’s Tibet policy since 2014.

India’s Adaptive Strategy

Various moves by India show that its position on Tibet is shifting. The leader of the Tibetan government in exile was invited to the swearing-in event in 2014, thanks in part to the Indian government’s management of public forums including the Dalai Lama. On His Holiness’ 88th birthday, on July 6, Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally sent birthday greetings, continuing a practice that began in 2014. Additionally, India sponsored the first worldwide conference on Buddhism this year, which was opened by the Indian Prime Minister and attended by high-ranking Indian officials. In addition, India changed its position following the conflict in the Galwan Valley by officially endorsing the Tibetan Special Frontier Force. However, India must express its commitment by recognizing the Central Tibetan Administration, which paradoxically serves as Tibet’s government in exile and is based in India.

Tibet’s Importance in Sino-Indian Conflicts

The invasion of Tibet and the following shelter the Dalai Lama received were major factors in the Sino-Indian War of 1962. Any support for the Dalai Lama or his adherents is considered to be a violation of China’s “One China” policy as they are seen as separatist leaders. The latest border disputes in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, which China views as a part of South Tibet, bring back to light Tibet’s significance as India’s natural neighbor and highlight the unresolved character of the Tibet question in the continuing struggle between the two countries.

India’s Need to Recenter Tibet

India has to bring up Tibet in discussions with China and at international forums, emphasizing the important problems that are relevant to its relationship with both Tibet and China. Whether Tibet is seen as a primarily human rights problem or as an unsolved political concern, how India moves forward would have an impact on its ties with China. The United States’ adoption of the Tibet Policy and Support Act in 2020, which formally acknowledges the Tibet human rights problem, fuels the global movement. During his recent trip to the US, Indian Prime Minister Modi had the chance to highlight Tibet’s ongoing political and human rights violations, but he chose not to do so. When China selectively participates in overseas peace accords while ignoring its own territorial disputes, the legitimacy of its reputation as a responsible peacebuilder is called into doubt.

Soft Power of India and International Support

Giving the Dalai Lama sanctuary has boosted India’s soft power abroad and weakened China’s reputation for fostering peace. China’s loud opposition to India’s Kashmir policy may be deterred by taking firm diplomatic action towards Tibet. India can boost its position as a serious threat to China and win backing from Western nations by working closely with global powers on the Tibet issue.

India’s foreign policy should now be centered on the Tibetan question. A squandered opportunity results from ignoring Tibet and avoiding it for the sake of bilateral ties. The international community must not ignore Tibet’s political and territorial importance even as it is critical to recognize Tibet as a human rights concern. The world should pay more attention to and assist Tibet and other areas. It’s time for the international world to stop abandoning and ignoring Tibet and to unite behind this crucial cause. Tibet, sometimes referred to as the palm in China’s Five Fingers strategic strategy, is of utmost geopolitical importance. It affects regional stability, territorial claims, and water security, as well as India-China relations and the delicate power balance in South Asia as well as southeast Asia, particularly in downstream countries. As the highest plateau on Earth, it serves as a crucial buffer zone for China.

The Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibet’s spiritual order, made it plain on Saturday that he is not pursuing Tibet’s independence from China and that he is open to speak with Beijing.

Before departing for Delhi, he spoke to the reporters at the Kangra airport. “China is changing and has now realized that the Tibetan people are very strong, and in order to deal with the Tibetan problem, they want to have contact with me and I am also ready,” he said.

The Dalai Lama said in answer to a question, “I am always open to talks with China and have made it clear years ago that we are not seeking complete independence and would remain a part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).”

Before departing for Ladakh, the Tibetan spiritual leader is expected to spend two days in Delhi. In a four-minute video statement he issued on his birthday, July 6, he said, “I dedicate this life that I have now to helping limitless sentient beings to the best of my ability. I am determined to bring others as much benefit as I can.”

The Dalai Lama has previously said that he is not seeking independence for Tibet but rather autonomy within the PRC.

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibet, said that China has been attempting to get in touch with him ever since they recognized the tenacity of the Tibetan people. He emphasized that he was open to negotiations and did not want independence.
The Dalai Lama, the head of Tibetan spirituality, said on Saturday that China wanted to speak to him and that Tibet was not aiming for independence. Two days after his 88th birthday, he made the comments.

Speaking to reporters in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama stated that China has recognized the resilience of the Tibetan people and that he was always ready to talks with the Chinese leadership.

The Dalai Lama has said that he is ready to speak with Chinese officials about matters affecting Tibetans and that he is open to both official and informal discussion.
“I am always available to speak. China is now aware of how powerful the Tibetan people’s spirit is. So they want to get in touch with me to handle their Tibetan issues. The Dalai Lama was cited by ANI as stating, “I am also prepared.

The Tibetan spiritual leader emphasized that he and his followers were not seeking independence but rather had long opted to remain a member of the People’s Republic of China at a news conference in Dharamshala before beginning his travel to Delhi and Ladakh. The Dalai Lama admitted that China was changing and that there was a rising desire among Chinese authorities to approach him, both publicly and informally.

According to a report by China Dialogue, the region known as “Asia’s water tower” is facing alarming challenges like the El Nio phenomenon causing sustained high temperatures that create a “oven-like environment” for glaciers, making them now vulnerable and expected to melt and collapse. These conditions have caused glaciers to melt more quickly, lakes to expand, and desertification to get worse.

The Yangtze and Brahmatupra river sources’ glaciers have shrunk and retreated by hundreds of meters recently, with retreat occurring most quickly in the southern Himalayas and close to the Indus river source in the western Himalayas. As a result, tens of thousands of glacial lakes have gotten bigger, receiving water from both melting glaciers and permafrost, according to the report, which also stated that “scientists say climate change has ‘unbalanced’

It noted that with increased grazing on land above 5,500 meters and settlements in areas that were uninhabitable 20 years ago, some previously vegetated areas had “started to look like deserts,” adding that the plateau is anticipated to become warmer and wetter with more frequent “glacial lake outburst floods” and ice collapses, leading to more disasters in the decades to come.