Statement delivered by H.E. Mr James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations

22 October 2024

I have the honour of delivering this joint statement on behalf of the following countries: Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Lithuania, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and my own country, Australia.

These countries are all committed to universal human rights and have ongoing concerns about serious human rights violations in China.

Two years ago, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ assessment on Xinjiang concluded that serious human rights violations had been committed in Xinjiang, and that the scale of the arbitrary and discriminatory detention of Uyghurs and other predominately Muslim minorities in Xinjiang “may constitute international crimes, in particular crimes against humanity”.

Subsequently, United Nations’ Treaty Bodies have taken similar views and made similar recommendations, including: The CERD in November 2022 through its concluding observations and Urgent Action Decision on Xinjiang; and The CRPD, CESCR and CEDAW in their September 2022, March 2023 and May 2023 Concluding Observations.

The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has issued communications concerning multiple cases of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances, and over 20 Special Procedure Mandate Holders have expressed concern about systemic human rights violations in Xinjiang.

Relying extensively on China’s own records, these comprehensive findings and recommendations by independent human rights experts from all geographic regions detail evidence of large-scale arbitrary detention, family separation, enforced disappearances and forced labour, systematic surveillance on the basis of religion and ethnicity; severe and undue restrictions on cultural, religious, and linguistic identity and expression; torture and sexual and gender-based violence, including forced abortion and sterilisation; and the destruction of religious and cultural sites.

China has had many opportunities meaningfully to address the UN’s well-founded concerns.
Instead, China labelled the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ assessment as ‘illegal and void during its Universal Periodic Review adoption in July.

According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ statement in August, the problematic laws and policies in Xinjiang continue to remain in place.

The statement again called on China to undertake a full review, from the human rights perspective, of the legal framework governing national security and counterterrorism.
Mr Chair, as with our concerns for the situation in Xinjiang, we are also seriously concerned about credible reports detailing human rights abuses in Tibet.

United Nations human rights treaty bodies and United Nations Special Procedures have detailed the detention of Tibetans for the peaceful expression of political views; restrictions on travel; coercive labour arrangements; separation of children from families in boarding schools; and erosion of linguistic, cultural, educational and religious rights and freedoms in Tibet.
We urge China to uphold the international human rights obligations that it has voluntarily assumed, and to fully implement all UN recommendations including from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ assessment, Treaty Bodies and other United Nations human rights mechanisms.

This includes releasing all individuals arbitrarily detained in both Xinjiang and Tibet, and urgently clarifying the fate and whereabouts of missing family members.
Transparency and openness are key to allaying concerns, and we call on China to allow unfettered and meaningful access to Xinjiang and Tibet for independent observers, including from the UN, to evaluate the human rights situation.

No country has a perfect human rights record, but no country is above fair scrutiny of its human rights obligations.

It is incumbent on all of us not to undermine international human rights commitments that benefit us all, and for which all states are accountable.

Thank you.

—

Mandie McKeown, Executive Director

International Tibet Neywork.

By Robin Greenberg

On 21 August afternoon, several members of Friends of Tibet-Wellington welcomed the arrival of Rep. Karma Singey and the delegation of four Tibetan Parliamentarians to Wellington Airport: Ven Khenpo Jamphal Tenzin, Mr Choedak Gyatso, Mr Tenzin Phuntsok Doring, and Ms Tsering Dolma.  Following their programme in Australia, they traveled to Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time to participate in the International Parliamentary Assembly hosted by the Asia Pacific Security Innovation Forum (APSI) on 23 August.

The delegation had a fruitful day on 22 August. Friends of Tibet (New Zealand) hosted a lunchtime Public Talk at Rutherford House, Victoria University: “Tibetan Exile – Democracy & Freedom Movement”. The Tibetan Parliamentarians gave an in-depth and inspiring presentations on the history, evolution and workings of the Government-in-Exile, as well as insights into the current situation in Tibet and challenges faced by the Tibetan diaspora. An engaging Q&A session followed. In Karma la’s closing, he paid tribute to our dear founder,  the late Thuten Kesang and his extraordinary legacy. We’re thankful to Victoria University of Wellington for providing the lovely venue. Gold-coin donations were collected towards Friends of Tibet (NZ)’s sponsorship of a Tibetan tertiary student in India. 

Later that day, the Tibetan delegation was welcomed to Parliament, hosted by MPs Dan Bidois and Ingrid Leary, to present a ‘Tibet Brief’. Other MPs in attendance included Paulo Garcia, Willie Jackson, David Parker, Laura Trask and Helen White.  

It’s hoped that the meeting will seed the formation of a new New Zealand Parliamentary Friendship Group for Tibet (a long-held wish by Thuten la). In due course, we’ll be informed of developments and how Friends of Tibet (NZ), the Auckland Tibetan Association  and Tibet supporters can get involved to support this. 

For more information about the delegation’s visit to Wellington, please see the following link:  

Tibetan Parliamentary Delegation Advocates Tibet in New Zealand

On this auspicious day to celebrate the 89th birthday of the supreme leader of the Tibetan people, His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama, the Kashag, on behalf of all the Tibetans in Tibet and exile, would like to pay our obeisance to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We also extend our heartiest greetings to our chief guest, His Excellency Chief Minister of Sikkim Shri Prem Singh Tamang; Special Guest Member of Lok Sabha Arunachal Pradesh Shri Tapir Gao; His Excellency Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Shri Mingma Norbu Sherpa; Hon. Bhutila Karpoche, Deputy Speaker of Ontario State Parliament; Honourable Ministers from the State of Sikkim: Hon. Shri Bhin Hang Subba; Hon. Shri Puran Kumar Gurung; Hon. Shri Pintso Namgyal Lepcha; Hon. MLA Shri Erung Tenzing Lepcha; Hon. MLA Shri Sanjeet Kharel; Namgyal Gangshontsang, Mayor of Oetwil am See, Switzerland and all the guests from here and afar who have particularly come to attend the celebration, and to all those who are celebrating the occasion around the world.

On this momentous occasion, as we rejoice in myriad ways around the world to celebrate His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s birthday, every single one of us has to remind ourselves that it is time to be proactively compassionate, in solemn gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s relentless effort in creating a compassionate global community.

In accordance with the Tibetan calendar, this year marks the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As per the modern calendar, His Holiness will turn 90 on 6 July 2025. Beginning July 2025, the Kashag will commence a diverse series of year- long events celebrating this milestone as the ‘Year of Compassion’. As a precursor to this significant event, the Kashag will briefly introduce the four principal lifelong commitments of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in four separate official events throughout this year, including today’s occasion, as a gentle reminder to followers and friends that the best way to please your Lama is to put into practice their words of advice.

His Holiness’ first lifelong commitment is to promote the happiness of all humanity based on the concept of oneness of humanity. Here is how His Holiness have, over the years, proceeded to espouse, in slightly different approaches, the spirit of altruism, universal responsibility, advancement of human values and secular ethics. During His Holiness’ first visit to European countries in 1973, His Holiness emphasized the practice of altruism — a state of mind that abandons petty self-gain and realizes a sense of commitment to others’ well-being when met with an opportunity to help others. This concept eventually evolved into what is now known as Universal Responsibility.
In the 1990s, His Holiness began to give brief discourses on the concept of secular ethics. On May 10 1999, in his address on ‘Ethics for the New Millennium’ at the Royal Albert Hall in London, His Holiness spoke of promoting human values as a responsibility of being a human being himself. The address did not specify whether it should be based on secular and religious ethics. However, in Varanasi, in the year 2000, His Holiness publicly mooted the concept of secular ethics not dependent on any particular religion.

The concept of the oneness of humanity is based on the nature of interdependence that affects one another. His Holiness advises against discrimination based on country, national origin, race, language, colour, ideology, culture, class, religion or any other. He stresses and elaborates on the undeniable fact that individuals and societies as a whole are interdependent, among all others, in commerce and finance, politics and military, transportation and the environment.

As long as we long for a physically healthy, mentally happy, and long life free from illness, we should hold dear compassion, loving-kindness, patience, contentment, and ethical conduct. When confronted with varied challenges, one must avoid the notion of being the only victim under a sense of despair, thereby losing one’s capacity to face the challenge. Rather, one should be positively oriented to resolve obstacles in stages through cooperative effort. His Holiness believes that thinking long-term rather than short-term, prioritising others before self, and working for the common good rather than individual interests are unavoidable responsibilities of humankind. His Holiness does not say this because of his title, or because he is a Buddhist leader or as a free spokesperson for the Tibetan people, but rather as someone deeply committed to human wellbeing and respecting human values.

His Holiness keeps emphasising the importance of secular ethics. All the 8 billion human beings in this world aspire for happiness and abhor suffering. One-eighth of us are non-believers, and believers not only follow different religions, but also different traditions within those religions. His Holiness’ talks about the means for gradually extending the need for individual happiness to humanity as a whole is based on the presence of compassion that could bring true happiness and peace.

Based on innate human attitudes and feelings, His Holiness wrote hundreds of books to encourage the development and enhancement of basic human values and qualities. ‘The Power of Compassion’ in 1995, ‘The Art of Happiness’ in 1998, ‘Ethics for the New Millennium’ in 2001 and ‘Beyond Religion: Ethics for a Whole World’ generated deep interest worldwide.

To confront the present and growing degenerative future challenges of the gap between ‘rich and poor’ and of ‘we and they’, His Holiness widely talks about the need to understand the interdependent nature of our existence for more openness and responsibility towards each other and the need for education based on compassionate living. His Holiness also stresses the need to eliminate the main cause of our suffering, the concept of ‘I and mine’ that brings about unyielding thoughts. His persistence in including compassion and wisdom as part of holistic modern education has resulted in such practices in more than 130 countries to date, over and above convening annual international discussions on it. To symbolise their respect for His Holiness’ invaluable thoughts, many Western nations have honoured him with about 300 prestigious awards and honorary doctorates.

His Holiness has visited more than 60 countries nearly 300 times and met with almost 500 political and religious figures. His public talks and visits to about 60 universities have helped open the minds of millions through the messages based on his four commitments and other invaluable insights.

Next year, as mentioned above, the Kashag has decided to celebrate, as per the Western calendar, the ninetieth birthday of His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama formally and internationally throughout the year. The 90th birthday celebration organising committee, headed by the Cabinet Secretary, will comprise civil servants of the three pillars of democracy and the major departments. This committee will be responsible for overall coordination and support. In India, Nepal and Bhutan, each of the departments would be responsible for streamlining regular and special 90th anniversary events under their jurisdiction. Under DIIR (Department for Information and International Relations), each of the Offices of Tibet will form organising committees in each nation under their jurisdiction to develop and execute events at national and institutional levels. At an appropriate time, we shall announce a dedicated online portal for downloading materials that can be accessed by everyone. This includes films, documentaries, exhibitions, and more, and also for uploading conducted events.

Last month, after passing the ‘Resolve Tibet Act’ in both houses of the US Congress, a seven-member high-level bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Michael McCaul, purposely visited Dharamshala and presented a framed copy of the legislation to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Speeches of the delegates in support of Tibet at the public event organised by the Central Tibetan Administration in their honour have moved many hearts. At the occasion, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi pronounced ‘His Holiness the Dalai Lama, with his message of knowledge, tradition, compassion, purity of soul and love, he will live forever”.

The legislation aimed at resolving the Sino-Tibet dispute recognises the Sino-Tibet dispute as unresolved and that the legal status of Tibet is as yet to be settled under international law, as the official policy of the US government. It acknowledges the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination, points out the distorted narrative of Tibetan history by the Chinese government, and urges negotiations. In all, the unprecedented support for the Tibetan people’s struggle for justice has lent solid backing to the will of the Tibetan people to one day freely preserve and protect our religion and culture, language, way of life and environment. The Kashag will strive to work towards similar policy adoption in other free democratic nations as well. Therefore, we urge every Tibetan and Tibet supporter everywhere in the world to join in this common effort.

This year, in recognition of the exiled Tibetans’ practice of democracy, the US-based National Endowment for Democracy conferred the Democracy Service Medal in the name of the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration. This is a definite recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s visionary leadership and encouragement in steering the Tibetan community towards democracy no sooner after coming into exile and in honour of the unstinted dedication of the previous generation of Tibetans who put it into practice.

At most of the Long life prayer offerings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, including the recent one, as per divination by Machik Palden Lhamo, the state protecting deity, His Holiness has committed to live beyond 110 years. I wish to express our appreciation and gratitude to the protecting deities for safeguarding His Holiness, the government and people of India, the US and others, and innumerable individuals for their steadfast support. Particularly at this point of time when His Holiness is recovering from a successful knee surgery, we want to thank the HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) team and every Tibetan inside and outside including non-Tibetans for their prayers under the guidance of Nechung Choegyal Chenmo, the other state protecting deity.

To conclude, Your Holiness, you are the eyes of our view and the heart of our being. Although Your Holiness could rest in the equipoise of emptiness like space, yet you choose to serve all living beings in this illusory world. May Your Holiness live long, and may all your wishes be fulfilled devoid of obstacles. May Your Holiness return to the Potala palace and continue to turn the wheel of Dharma. May the truth of our cause prevail, and may there soon be the reunion of Tibetans inside and outside Tibet. May this vast world be illuminated by the light of wisdom that distinguishes what to adopt and what to abandon, and may all directions be filled with the soothing shade of compassion.

The Kashag 6 July 2024

Note: This is a translation of the Tibetan statement. Should any discrepancies arise, please treat the Tibetan version as final and authoritative.

Tibetans in Auckland and Friends of Tibet members despite being small in number were at Mount Albert’s Plant and Food Research at 11 in the morning ready for Premier Li Qiang’s engagement of the day to begin. They braved verbal and physical harassment from Chinese supporters who arrived by bus loads and were even approached with offers of money to hoist Chinese flags and banners. Tibet activists were shoved, pushed out of the way and stalked relentlessly at the protest site by the much larger pro-China group trying to tear down the Tibetan banners. Amidst the chaos and heavy rain some Tibetans were also physically assaulted. NZ police personnel on duty failed to keep the two groups apart. Yet, the Tibetan flag flew high as the Premier’s entourage arrived on site. 

Not one to be deterred, Tibetans and Friends of Tibet, NZ along with members of Chinese-Tibetan Friendship Group turned up at Cordis Hotel in Auckland Central at 4 pm. Our demands were read and slogans calling for human rights and freedom inside Tibet reverberated through the street until a group of Chinese drummers parked themselves next to the Tibetans, aggressively beating their drums and cymbals, drowning out the demonstrators. A police officer was whacked in the face by a supporter waving her Chinese flag aggressively next to the protestors and given a stern warning.

Tibetans and supporters then made their way towards the final event at Auckland War Memorial Museum where Premier Li Qiang and dignitaries were having an official dinner. Amidst a vast sea of red flags and banners, pro-Tibet slogans reverberated as the dignitaries stood for a photo-op on the Museum stairs. 

Photos can be found on the ATA Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/share/p/rKDnKfbcye4ugQ7w/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.                  Tibetan-language blog shut down

2.                  Misinformation circulates regarding alleged police killing of 20 students

3.                  China renames 30 Locations in Arunachal Pradesh to extend Tibet rule

4.                  Wang Junzheng instructs central media in Tibet to promote Tibet propaganda

5.                  New training manual for Tibetan monks in Gansu

6.                  Relocation of Atsok Monastery commences as part of Yangqu Hydropower Project

7.                  Increased traffic at Tibet-Nepal border crossing

POLITICS

1. Tibetan-language blog shut down

The Chinese government recently closed “Luktsang Palyon,” a widely read Tibetan-language blog, alleging copyright infringement, according to Radio Free Asia. The closure, announced April 2 by the blog’s administrator, adds to concerns about the suppression of Tibetan cultural and linguistic expression under the guise of legal and administrative measures. The administrator of the blog, whose request for the reinstatement of the blog appears unlikely to be granted, highlights a broader issue of language rights and cultural preservation in Tibet.

Established in March 2013, Luktsang Palyon (meaning “Tibet Sheep”) has been a vital resource for the dissemination of Tibetan culture and language, offering around 10,000 pieces of educational content including articles, stories, music lyrics and bilingual translations. This platform not only served Tibetans within the region but also those in exile, fostering a sense of community and cultural continuity. The closure of such an important cultural outlet under ambiguous legal pretexts is seen by many as part of a systematic effort by the Chinese government to marginalize the Tibetan language in favor of Mandarin, the national common language in occupied Tibet.

2. Misinformation circulates regarding alleged police killing of 20 students

New Tang Dynasty TV, affiliated with the Falun Gong group, reported that armed Chinese police killed 20 students during a crackdown on more than 500 Tibetan students demonstrating at Lhasa Normal College, a teacher training institution in Lhasa, on March 16, 2024.

However, the International Campaign for Tibet, after verifying the facts with contacts in Lhasa, determined that no such event took place. ICT considers the report to be misinformation circulating on the internet.

3. China renames 30 Locations in Arunachal Pradesh to extend Tibet rule

The Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs has taken another assertive step in its political agenda regarding Arunachal Pradesh, India, a region it labels as “Zangnan” or the southern part of Tibet. According to a report on April 3 in Global Times, a Chinese state-run tabloid with an international focus, Beijing issued its fourth list of standardized geographical names for 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, scheduled to come into effect on May 1.

This move follows previous releases of standardized names in 2017, 2021 and 2023, aimed at solidifying China’s territorial claims over the region, which it asserts as part of its own territory despite strong a Tibetan historical footprint. It forms part of a broader political strategy by Beijing to strengthen its territorial assertions, akin to its actions in the South China Sea. Tensions between India and China have escalated, notably since the violent clash at Galwan Valley in June 2020, with ongoing border disputes exacerbating the situation.

At the heart of the territorial dispute lies the McMahon Line, a boundary established during the 1914 tripartite Simla Convention involving British India, China and Tibet. This boundary delineates approximately 90,000 square kilometers of territory along India’s northeast and Tibet’s south.

4. Wang Junzheng instructs central media in Tibet to promote Tibet propaganda

On April 8, Wang Junzheng, secretary of the Party Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region, convened a meeting with the heads of Chinese central media operating in Tibet. During the session, Wang emphasized the importance of implementing CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives on the promotion of ideological work and cultivation of a favorable public opinion for a “socialist modern New Tibet.”

Throughout the discussion, representatives from the Chinese central media outlets in Tibet shared insights and exchanged practices regarding propaganda and reporting. Wang Junzheng commended the central media for its correct political direction and conducting extensive, multi-faceted propaganda campaigns.

Highlighting the significance of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th anniversary of Tibet’s democratic reform, Wang stressed the pivotal role of the Chinese state media in shaping public perceptions and narratives.

While the party secretary gave his political instructions to the Chinese media operating in Tibet, the Foreign Correspondent’s Club of China coincidently issued a damning report of media freedom in China on April 8. The FCCC’s report “Masks Off, Barriers Remain” states in its findings that:

·                     Almost all respondents (99%) said reporting conditions in China rarely or never met international reporting standards.

• Four out of five (81%) respondents said they had experienced interference, harassment or violence.
• 54% of respondents were obstructed at least once by police or other officials (2022: 56%), and 45% encountered obstruction at least once by persons unknown (2022: 36%).
• A majority of respondents had reason to believe the authorities had possibly or definitely compromised their WeChat (81%), their phone (72%) or placed audio recording bugs in their office or home (55%).
• Almost a third (32%) of respondents said their bureau was understaffed because they have been unable to bring in the required number of new reporters.
• 82% of respondents reported they had interviews declined by sources who stated they were not permitted to speak to foreign media or required prior permission.
• More than a third (37%) of respondents said reporting trips or interviews already confirmed were canceled last minute because of official pressure (2022: 31%).
• 49% of respondents indicated their Chinese colleague(s) had been pressured, harassed or intimidated at least once (2022: 45%; 2021: 40%).

RELIGION

5. New training manual for Tibetan monks in Gansu

Chinese authorities have distributed a stringent new training manual to Buddhist clergy in the monasteries of Kanlho (Chinese: Gannan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province, according to Golok Jigme, a former Tibetan political prisoner from the region. This manual contains 10 rules, including a prohibition against displaying photographs of the Dalai Lama, the elderly Tibetan spiritual leader, following his eventual death. Additionally, it forbids monks from participating in the process of recognizing the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, enforcing compliance with state regulations.

The guidelines also prevent monks from engaging in activities deemed to threaten national unity or disrupt societal stability under the pretext of religious practice. This includes banning any cooperation with Tibetan religious leaders and the exiled Tibetan community, whom the government labels as external separatist groups. The manual explicitly bars “illegal organizations or institutions” from monastic settings and mandates that the education of monks should exclude “separatist ideology.” These measures are part of what is described as the “Sinicization” of religion, a policy that aligns with the Chinese Communist Party’s broader efforts to reshape Tibetan Buddhism to conform with its state doctrines.

During a March visit to two counties within the prefecture, He Moubao, secretary of China’s State Party Committee, underscored the need to Sinicize religion and implement the CCP’s religious policies to maintain national unity and social stability. This approach to religion in Tibet equates religious expression with separatism and threats to Chinese security, fostering a perilous political climate for Tibetan monks, nuns and lay Buddhists.

DEVELOPMENT

6. Relocation of Atsok Monastery commences as part of Yangqu Hydropower Project

The relocation of Atsok Monastery, located in Palkha village of Drakar (Xinghai) county in Tsolho (Hainan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, has officially begun as part of the development plans for the Yangkhil (Yangqu) hydropower station, according to exile media outlet the Tibet Times on April 11 . The monastery is being relocated to a site approximately 3 to 4 kilometers away from its current location to a hill in Khyokar Naklo.

Atsok Monastery, founded in 1889, currently accommodates 157 monks after restrictions were imposed in 2021, barring novice monks from enrolling in the monastery. Prior to the commencement of the relocation process, Chinese authorities announced the removal of Atsok Monastery from the list of recognized cultural and historical sites in the county.

The Yangkhil hydropower station located at the junction of Drakar county and Mangra (Guinan) county in the Tsolho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai province, built on the Machu (Yellow) River, is designed to produce 1.2 gigawatts of power.

According to China’s National Development and Reform Commission project document dated November 2021, land acquisition covering an area of 80,691 mu (approximately 53 square kilometers) across 22 villages in three counties, including Drakar, will be undertaken, affecting 15,555 people. The project is scheduled to achieve operational readiness by the end of April 2024 and is projected to deliver over 40 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to China’s Central Plains region. The Electricity Engineering Construction Company of the Yellow River had been contracted for the construction, commencing site planning activities around Dec. 26, 2021.

7. Increased traffic at Tibet-Nepal border crossing

Chinese state media reported increased traffic at the Dram border, which connects Tibet and Nepal via the Nyalam Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station. According to reports, a total of 100,716 individuals and 4,450 vehicles have crossed the border since the beginning of the year, up to April 1, 2024.

This surge in traffic comes in the wake of the border’s reopening on September 1 last year, following pandemic-related lockdown measures. Since then, a total of 234,634 people and 12,699 vehicles have crossed the border, as reported by Chinese state media.

Authorities have attributed the increase in traffic to heightened police deployment and expedited customs clearance processes for inbound and outbound passengers. While the traffic is largely associated with trade activities, the Dram border has undergone substantial regulation and fortification in recent years to prevent any attempts by Tibetans to seek asylum abroad. As a result, the number of Tibetan refugees has drastically decreased by 99% since 2008

On this day, sixty five years ago in 1959, the people of Tibet from the three traditional
provinces rose in protest against the repression of the Chinese communist forces in capital Lhasa.
Today also marks the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Martial Law imposed on 5th March 1989 after
repeated peaceful protests in Lhasa in 1987, 1988 and 1989, and the sixteenth anniversary of the
peaceful protests that erupted across Tibet in 2008. And since 2009, 157 Tibetans are known to have
self-immolated for more freedom inside Tibet and for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to
Tibet. On this solemn occasion, we remember and offer our prayers in honour of our compatriots who
have given their lives for the cause of Tibet. We stand in solidarity with those who are still suffering
under the brutal occupation of the People’s Republic of China.
Today, as we contemplate on the future of Tibet, we cannot ignore the developing events in
Tibet and beyond. Currently, the ongoing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has exceeded two years; war
between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has engulfed Eurasia. The powerful nations continue to forge
alliances and China’s economy continue to decline. Increasing and intensified suppression of
fundamental rights of Tibetans and implementation of oppressive policies have resulted in an
unprecedented threat to the survival of distinct Tibetan national identity.
The PRC government’s policy of exterminating the Tibetan identity since its invasion of Tibet
has continued unabated for over seventy years. In the last decade, the PRC government has extensively
expanded its pervasive communist party organisations to the grassroots level, accelerated massive
population transfer within and outside Tibet and tightened control over movements and daily lives of
Tibetans by sending tens of thousands of “work teams” across Tibet. With surveillance through the
grid management system, Tibetans are compelled to spy on each other. Externally, Tibetans are
threatened with transnational repression. The PRC government is vigorously pursuing a policy of
“forging a strong sense of the Chinese as one single identity” by erasing the Tibetan identity;
promotion of Chinese language by banning and minimising the teaching and use of Tibetan language
and sinicisation of Tibetan Buddhism. Reinterpreting and conforming the content of Buddhist canons
to suit communist ideology and manipulation of monastic discipline and subjecting every Tibetan and
every household to “patriotic re-education” campaign are aimed at eradicating Tibet’s distinct religion,
culture and language. The Kashag has highlighted these policy measures and its implementation in its
previous statements.
The PRC government has issued various regulations and policy documents that contravene the
foundational principles of the Chinese Constitution and Law on Regional National Autonomy. On this
occasion, the Kashag would like to highlight how these regulations and policies are being used to
erode the Tibetan language and religion.

1. Marginalisation of Tibetan Language
   The Chinese Constitution and Law on Regional National Autonomy guarantees the
   autonomous regions to enact regulations on the exercise of autonomy and separate regulations. The
   so-called ten “Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures” and two “Autonomous Counties” incorporated into
   China’s Qinghai, Sichuan, Gansu and Yunnan Provinces have declared regulations autonomously in
   their respective areas in 1980s. However, the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) has not
   enacted such regulations until now.

2

Although the governments of Tibetan autonomous areas are given less legislative power than
Chinese provinces, regulations of autonomous prefectures and counties stipulate that the heads of
various organs of government must be a Tibetan; organs of autonomous area must use both Tibetan
and Chinese as official languages when performing their functions; the Tibetan and Chinese languages
be used for recruitment examination; Tibetan language must be the main medium of instruction in
primary and middle schools; Tibetan language professional and curriculum for specialised courses in
Tibetan in universities and vocational schools in their respective areas, and the organs of government
must carry forward the Tibetan traditional culture. Similarly, the Tibetan Language Work Regulation
enacted in the 1990s facilitated the autonomous areas to establish offices to implement learning and
use of Tibetan language. Textbook editorial offices were established by respective provinces or
through collaboration of provinces and autonomous region.
Likewise, a mechanism for learning, use and promotion of Tibetan language on a trial basis
was announced in 1987. It stipulated that Tibetan should be the medium of instruction at primary and
middle schools; lower level government offices can refuse to acknowledge receipt of official letters
from higher offices if they are not written in Tibetan and lower level offices can write their official
letters to higher offices in Tibetan. However, the contents of the document were revoked through
amendments in 2002 and 2019. Instead, it was formulated that “courses in compulsory education shall
be in Tibetan and Chinese languages”, thereby, reducing the status of Tibetan to an optional language.
As stipulated in the Chinese Constitution, the “Law on the National Standard Spoken and
Written Language” guarantees that “all nationalities have the freedom to use and develop their own
language”. Similarly, the Education Law and the Law on Regional National Autonomy and
Compulsory Education Law of 1986 stipulate that “schools and other educational institutions with
mainly ethnic minority students may use of their own language for teaching”. However, the provisions
that mandate the use of their own spoken and written languages for teaching were withdrawn when
Compulsory Education Law was revised. Similar provisions in regulations of autonomous areas,
prefectures and counties were either altered or abrogated as can be seen in Malho “Tibetan
Autonomous Prefecture” regulation of 2021 and Tibetan language work regulation of 2023.
As the laws framed by the Chinese Central Government on learning and use of Tibetan
language contradict themselves, the contents of regulations of the autonomous region, prefectures and
counties contravene one another. Irrespective of whether China is governed by law or not, the laws
formulated by the Chinese central government either in violation of the Constitution and the Law on
Regional National Autonomy have become the key instruments being used to erode the Tibetan
language.
Alarmingly, the ongoing forced assimilation of nearly one million Tibetan children in Chinese
state-run colonial style boarding schools and promotion of Chinese language in a large number of
kindergartens established across Tibet not only deny Tibetan children the right to learn and use their
own language, they are also cut off from their way of thinking, custom and belief, which is giving rise
to a generation affected by forced assimilation. On 14th December 2023 the European Parliament
adopted with a large majority a resolution, strongly condemning the repressive forced assimilation of
Tibetan children in Chinese state-run boarding schools in Tibet. The resolution calls on the Chinese
government for the immediate abolishment of the boarding school system in Tibet, as highlighted by
UN experts.

2. Destruction of Tibetan Buddhism
   In 2017, China’s State Council put into force Regulations on Religious Affairs to tighten
   control over the religious groups, religious schools and institutions, places for religious activities,
   religious figures, religious practices, and monastic properties. Furthermore, in 2022, the State
   Administration of Religious Affairs and Ministry of Finance enforced the Financial Management
   Measures for Religious Activity Sites, mandating that all the properties and wealth of monasteries and
   nunneries will be owned by the state and that the religious institutions must report their assets, revenue

3

and expenditure to the relevant departments of the Chinese Government every year. Similarly, under
the Measures for the Management of Religious Activity Venues enforced in 2023, religious
institutions should establish democratic management committees composed of religious figures,
representatives of local religious community and other relevant personnel, who in turn will be
inspected by a committee formed of local religious groups, representatives of the local religious
community and empowered registration offices. And the religious sites must reflect Chinese
characteristics in style, architecture, sculpture, painting and decoration.
Furthermore, the Measures on the Management of Religious Affairs of “TAR”, which was put
into force in 2021, states that the “religious activities must be carried out based on the need of the time
and the excellent traditional Chinese culture” and “monastic rules and disciplines should be improved
and reformed”. It mandates that “curriculum of religious institutions should include courses on
politics, laws, regulations and policies, Chinese language and history of the relationship between Tibet
and the motherland, building a strong sense of the Chinese nation’s community and modern science
and these studies must comprise 30% of monastic education.” It further states that the “process of
recognition of inheritance and succession of the Living Buddha of Tibetan Buddhism must be handled
in accordance with the Measures for the Administration of the Reincarnation of the Living Buddha of
Tibetan Buddhism and the relevant regulations of the autonomous region and it should not be subjected
to interference and control by foreign organisations or individuals”. Similarly, inspection bodies have
been established at all levels of governments till township to oversee religious activities at multiple
level of society. Moreover, religious affair liaison officers and intelligence personnel are appointed by
religious management committees in villages.
The Regulation of the Management of Religious Affairs of Karze Tibetan Autonomous
Prefecture revised in 2023 also contained most of the above provisions. In addition, monks and nuns
who seek to engage in religious activities in areas outside their jurisdiction must obtain permit from
local democratic management committee and county-level Buddhist association, after which, the
Buddhist associations of both their place of residence and where the activities to be held are required
to file the same to the religious affairs department of the respective local governments. The
monasteries and nunneries must get approval from the provincial government for religious activities
to be undertaken for a year before the end of its preceding year and not to make alterations in
contravention to the proposed plan.
In short, these regulations are aimed to directly control the numbers, recognition, eligibility
and curriculum of monks and nuns, properties, revenue, expenditure and management of monasteries
and nunneries. These also mandate the Chinese Communist Party’s misappropriation of Tibetan
people’s authority to select reincarnation of Trulkus, restriction on all religious activities and
movement of monks and nuns across administrative areas. These additional and extreme measures
expand on the existing Chinese central government’s regulations to control over Tibetan Buddhism.
Reports of arbitrary beatings, arrest, imprisonment and sentencing of Tibetan monks, nuns,
teachers, students, writers and common people continue unabated since the launch of “patriotic
education” campaign in Tibet for the last thirty years. Many fear China’s new and sweeping “Patriotic
Education Law” that came into force on 1st January this year, which facilitates the authorities with
power to punish and hold officials accountable. It all points to impending release of policy documents
that will be immeasurably more draconian in Tibet.
The Kashag in its 10th March statement last year highlighted the forced and mass relocation
of Tibetan population carried out supposedly in the name of ecological preservation in central Tibet
and damming projects along the major rivers of Machu (Yellow river), Drichu (Yangtse) and Zachu
(Mekong) in Kham and Amdo regions. Recently, China has ordered local Tibetans and monasteries of
Wonpoto area in Dege in eastern Tibet to relocate to carry out construction of Kamthok Hydropower
dam on Drichu river as part of the 13 dam construction project started few years ago. On 14 February
2024, video footage emerged out of the area shows a large number of local Tibetans pleading to local
government authorities and encircled by Chinese security forces. Subsequently, on 20 February,

4

another footage revealed Tibetans kneeling and crying in desperation while pleading to Chinese
officials. Reports continue to emerge of arrest of large number of Tibetans. These footages offer a rare
glimpse into the real plight and sufferings of the Tibetan people. Implementation of this dam project
will make the area vulnerable to earthquake and it will lead to loss of invaluable Buddhist cultural
relics and artifacts in the local monasteries dating back more than 600 years. It will adversely affect
the welfare and livelihood of thousands of Tibetans and cause irreversible damage to the ecology.
Such acts undertaken solely for economic gain are nothing but short-sighted and no one can guarantee
that the devastating consequences will not befall on Chinese people living in the downstream of
Drichu.
During the UN Human Rights Council’s fourth Universal Periodic Review of China’s human
rights record held on 23rd January this year, despite China’s efforts to evade scrutiny, 21 countries
raised the issue of Tibet  more than double the number in the last review  explicitly expressed
serious concerns over the worsening human rights situation in Tibet, particularly emphasising their
concern over China’s assimilation of Tibetan children through colonial-style boarding schools and
sinicisation of Tibetan Buddhism.

3. Our Hope and Appeal
   We call upon the PRC government to allow Tibetans to learn, use and develop Tibetan as their
   official language as guaranteed in the Chinese Constitution and Law on Regional National Autonomy.
   The use of Tibetan language in the offices across Tibet and Tibetan classes in schools, higher
   educational and vocational training centres with Tibetan as the medium of instruction should be
   restored. Likewise, the Tibetan language test in university entrance exam and government staff
   recruitment exam must be reintroduced. We call on the PRC government to correctly recognise that
   these are not only fundamental provisions for the implementation of regional national autonomy, but
   also the basis for equality and harmony of all the nationalities.
   During the long history of friendly relations between Tibet and China in general and
   particularly since Tibet established priest-patron relationship with successive rulers who reigned over
   China from Mongolian Yuan dynasty until Chinese Communist Party, Tibetan Buddhism unstintingly
   bestowed spiritual guidance to the emperors and the people of China, immensely benefiting them.
   Even today, despite the fact that Tibetan Buddhism can certainly help the government and people of
   China when their fine traditional culture is facing decline, the Chinese government is ruthlessly
   resorting to suppression and destruction of Tibetan Buddhism. Tragically, this will only result in
   harming the interest of both Tibetan and Chinese people.
   Although, the Chinese government has attempted to reinterpret the Buddhist canons to suit its
   ideology and expound it as excellent traditional Chinese culture, however it cannot even touch upon
   the basics of Buddhist philosophy and Buddhist science. The Tibetan Buddhist culture which is based
   on core practice of love, compassion and altruism is pitted against violent and revolutionary struggle
   built on self-promotion by communist regime. Consequently, it is a matter of great concern that
   ordinary followers of Tibetan Buddhism in Tibet are subjected to constant threat of persecution and
   hatred. The dire situation in Tibet is corroborated by the fact that Tibet scored zero in political rights
   and civil liberties in the Freedom House report, which was released on 29th February this year.
   The Central Tibetan Administration is committed to pursuing the Middle Way Policy to resolve
   the Sino-Tibet conflict through dialogue. Therefore, we reiterate that the PRC government must
   immediately cease its misguided policy of eradicating the Tibetan identity and culture, which could
   cause deep wound and antagonism between Tibetan and Chinese people. We call on Tibetans inside
   Tibet to use legal means to give timely suggestions to the local governments on its misguided and
   extreme policy measures and to uphold rights of the Tibetan people guaranteed in the Chinese
   Constitution and the Law on Regional National Autonomy.

5

On the sixth day of the Tibetan New Year, 15th February 2024, the US House of
Representatives passed the bipartisan bill “Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act”
with supermajority. We wholeheartedly thank and applaud the wisdom and integrity of the members
of the US Congress for supporting truth and justice. We hope that this bill, which aligns with the 16th
Kashag’s strategy to gain recognition to Tibet’s true historical status to serve as leverage for the Middle
Way Policy, will be passed in the US Senate. This historic bill will definitely inspire other democratic
countries and strengthen the Tibetan people’s spirit and determination in keeping their identity alive.
The Kashag will continue to reach out to other countries in this regard.
The unshakable hope and determination of our Tibetan brothers and sisters inside Tibet are the
driving force for the 16th Kashag’s resolve to work towards the realisation of the just cause of Tibet.
To that end, the Offices of Tibet have been firmly given clear and specific responsibilities, while
Sikyong and Kalons are making every effort in undertaking advocacy campaigns by reaching out to
governments, parliaments, think tanks and media. Recently, around 170 participants from over 40
countries attended the 9th International Conference of Tibet Support Groups that was successfully
held in Brussels. Likewise, over 500 activists from the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG)
have carried out impactful campaigns in 32 regions. Under the blessings of His Holiness the Dalai
Lama and support of the state oracles and guided by strategy of cooperative effort and moving forward,
these efforts have helped us catapult the issue of Tibet to a new level on the international stage. The
Kashag would like to thank all those who made this possible. Nonetheless, we must continue to pool
our collective efforts until resolving the issue of Tibet is achieved.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has singularly led Tibetans on the path of democracy and
established a vibrant democratic system in exile. Therefore, Tibetans living in the free countries have
the unavoidable duty to make it robust, efficient and sustainable. Meanwhile, we have to grasp every
opportunities arising from the changing global situation and actions of the Chinese government. We
urge all the Tibetans that they must not fail to recognise our opponent and forge unity and make
cooperative efforts in the larger interest of our common cause. At the same time, Tibetans must remain
vigilant and confront the PRC government’s insidious tactics of infiltration into our exile community
and transnational repression.
Taking this opportunity, the Kashag would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the
governments and people of India, United States and other countries and Tibet supporters around the
world, who are committed to truth and freedom. As the Tibetan identity is facing existential threat,
you are our backbone and source of inner strength to keep our struggle for freedom alive.
Finally, I pray for the long life of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. May the truth of Tibet’s cause
prevail! May the Tibetans in Tibet and those in exile be reunited.

The Kashag
10 March 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. High-level corruption cases in Tibet
2. Tibet two sessions conclude
3. Introduction of measures for cadres in the Tibet Autonomous Region
4. Pushing Chinese as lingua franca in Tibet for ‘ethnic unity’
5. Imprisonment of political prisoner emerges after 7 years
6. Tibetan woman detained for social media video posts
7. Consolidation of borders emphasized during Lhasa Guard District Party Committee meeting
8. Chinese embassy hosts new year reception for Tibetans in Nepal
9. Xi’s ‘12 musts’ directive for United Front work
10. Party Secretary of Tibet Autonomous Region stresses Sinification of Tibetan Buddhism
11. Tibetans forced to commemorate 130th anniversary of Mao Zedong’s birth
12. Chamdo County-level temple management committee grassroots party-building meeting
13. Widespread fire in Drayab likely caused by rocket debris
14. Government-facilitated tourism: 843 Tibetans toured Nepal in 2023
15. Transmission of electricity from Tibet to Chongqing in Southwest China
16. Rural Work Conference in Lhasa
17. Leaked document corroborates China’s concerning economic indicators

1. High-level corruption cases in Tibet

Tibetans in Tibet have long complained about corruption and rent-seeking by Chinese party and government officials. These complaints are not unfounded, as evidenced by the following corruption cases involving two former high-level government leaders.

Zhang Yongze, former vice-chairman of the government of the officially designated Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), has been sentenced to 14 years in prison and fined 5 million yuan (US$ 703,000) by the Xi’an Intermediate People’s Court of Shaanxi province for accepting bribes totaling over 51.81 million yuan. The court also ordered the seizure of Zhang’s illicit funds and assets according to state media on Jan. 10, 2024. Zhang, 55, had spent most of his career in the TAR after he began work in 1997.

Zhang, who held various influential positions from 2003 to 2021, including head of the TAR’s Environmental Protection Department, was found guilty of abusing his position to facilitate projects and cadre appointments in exchange for bribes. He was also found guilty of misusing his position for sexual favors and other pleasures. Despite the severity of the charges, the court imposed a lenient penalty due to Zhang’s confession, disclosure of additional bribery facts, admission of guilt and return of ill-gotten gains. Zhang, 55, faced disciplinary action by China’s anti-graft bodies in January 2022 and was subsequently expelled from the party and removed from public posts in July 2022.

In another corruption case, Jiang Jie, former vice chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) of the TAR, faced expulsion from the Communist Party of China and dismissal from public office after a case review by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the State Supervision Commission. The investigation revealed serious violations, including engagement in corruption, power and sex transactions, according to state media. Jiang Jie’s actions, violating various disciplines and regulations, led to the termination of his party membership, dismissal from public office and termination as a delegate to the 10th Communist Party of China TAR regional congress, as well as the confiscation of his illegal gains. The case has been referred to the procuratorate for review and prosecution.

2. Tibet two sessions conclude

The recent conclusion of the two sessions of the Tibet Autonomous Region in Lhasa, comprising the political consultative conference and the people’s congress on Jan. 9 and 10 respectively, did not bring forth any significant announcements beyond routine proceedings.

During the closing ceremony, Wang Junzheng, the party secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region, underscored the primary goals of the two sessions. These involved supporting the “two establishments”—establishing Xi Jinping as the core of the entire party and solidifying the role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era, as outlined in the party’s historical resolution. Additionally, the sessions aimed to uphold the “two safeguards”—ensuring Xi’s core status within the CCP and preserving the central authority of the party.

Wang summarized the party’s policies in Tibet, emphasizing the focus on “cultivating a strong sense of the Chinese nation’s community, engaging in profound anti-separatist efforts, fostering high-quality economic development, intensifying ecological and environmental protection, implementing measures to rejuvenate borders and improve people’s livelihoods, and enhancing the modernization of grassroots social governance.” He reiterated the commitment to adhering to General Secretary Xi Jinping’s crucial directives on Tibet work and the party’s governing strategy for Tibet in the new era.

3. Introduction of measures for cadres in the Tibet Autonomous Region

The Tibet Autonomous Region recently introduced the “Measures for Enhancing the Performance of Cadres in the Tibet Autonomous Region (Trial),” a guiding document suggesting the reinforcement of cadre assessment methods. This includes dealing seriously with cadres who are “Buddhist,” those in a “flat state” and those with unsatisfactory work. The issuance of these “Measures” follows the nationwide release of the “Outline of the Party and Government Leadership Building Plan.”

The document highlights Tibet’s efforts in promoting the “four major events” of stability, development, ecology and strong borders. The objective is to establish the region as a national model for unity and progress, a pioneering area for high-quality plateau economic development, a national ecological civilization highland and a nationally secure border area. The “Measures” act as a guiding principle for cadre selection, emphasizing strict adherence to the cadre’s political commitment and evaluation systems. They also advocate for the simplification of files on the political quality of party members and cadres, with the exclusion of those deemed politically unfit.

4. Pushing Chinese as lingua franca in Tibet for ‘ethnic unity’

In 2023, the Nyemo County Party Committee in Lhasa City implemented three measures focusing on “point and aspect, quantity and quality, and practicality and effectiveness” to deepen the spread and usage of the Chinese language in Tibet, implementing the policy to spread Chinese under the theme of “national common language education and training.”

As part of its diverse strategies, the committee had sent batches of village leaders for intensive training outside the region to promote Chinese language. Additionally, it guided various departments, including the United Front, education, and other industries, to send CPPCC members, teachers and students from different backgrounds to Beijing, Hebei and other locations for study tours, according to the United Front Work Department of CCP Central Committee on Dec. 27, 2023, summarizing activities in 2023 in the implementation of promotion of the “national common language.”

The city’s village cadres underwent Chinese language training under the “Language Training Plan” and received completion certificates from the TAR Mandarin Promotion Base. Mobile party schools were conducted in agricultural and pastoral areas, reaching over 15,000 cadres and the general population. Hundreds of farmers and herdsmen were taught the Chinese language through the method of “daily paired learning, weekly individual self-study and monthly intensive training.”

To facilitate communication, cadres and party members are required to install the “Tibetan Translator” software, with a high usage rate of 96.8%. This effort aimed to break down communication barriers between cadres and the public and strengthen the “sense of community of the Chinese nation.”

In recognition of their efforts, Nyemo County was given accolades in 2022 as a model collective for “ethnic unity and progress” at the district and city levels. In 2023, it was further recommended as a national-level model county for ethnic unity and progress.

5. Imprisonment of political prisoner emerges after 7 years

Recent information has emerged regarding the imprisonment of Lhakdor, a Tibetan resident of Palyul (Chinese: Baiyu) County in the Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. In 2016, he was reportedly sentenced to 11 years in prison for allegedly possessing Tibetan independence-related media on his phone, according to the exile media outlet Tibet Times’ report on Dec. 29, 2023. During a trip from Kardze to Lhasa in July 2016, he was detained by the police after they examined his phone and accused him of spreading rumors. Lhakdor’s family was present when the Palyul County People’s Court issued the sentence. Despite being described as a patriotic Tibetan involved in small businesses and regular travel, he has been allowed only one family visit in the seven years since his imprisonment. Requests for additional visits have been consistently denied on various grounds.

6. Tibetan woman detained for social media video posts

Tsering Tso, a 39-year-old from Trika (Guide), Tsolo (Hianan) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai, was arbitrarily detained on December 25, 2023, on charges of “picking quarrels and provoking troubles” after she posted three video clips on social media a few days earlier criticizing a police checkpoint in Drachen (Baqing) County in Nagchu City, TAR, as a violation of her right to privacy.

In one of the videos from Dec. 19, Tsering Tso expressed frustration with the police checkpoint’s intrusion into her privacy during her journey from Yushu to Lhasa. She argued that her purpose for traveling to Lhasa was her private matter, and she emphasized her understanding of the law, asserting her right to privacy. According to Tibet Watch’s translation of one video clip, Tsering says, “Take a look at this [Drachen County] police checkpoint. I came from Yushu to go to Lhasa. They [police] asked what I was going to do there. I told what I was going to do was my right to privacy. What right do you [police] have to know? They consistently infringe on our privacy as if we have no right to privacy. He [the police] also said that the other people have no problem [with the questions]. It is their business that they don’t understand the law. I understand the law. I want to make clear that going to Lhasa is my work.”

This recent detention follows her 15-day administrative detention in Yushu City from Oct. 26 to Nov. 10, 2023, for posting 17 critical comments from Oct. 8 to 25, 2023 on Douyin, the Chinese TikTok, criticizing the government and its staff.

7. Consolidation of borders emphasized during Lhasa Guard District Party Committee meeting

The 16th plenary (enlarged) meeting of the 6th Lhasa Guard District Party Committee, an administrative body overseeing the military and political affairs within Lhasa Guard District, was held from Jan. 25 to 26. Xiao Youcai, holding the concurrent titles of member of the Standing Committee of the TAR Party Committee, secretary of the Lhasa Municipal Party Committee and first secretary of the Lhasa Guard District Party Committee, in his speech emphasized implementation of Xi Jinping’s directives on strengthening the military and the party’s strategy for “governing Tibet in the new era.” According to a state media report, he underscored the need to consolidate borders, stabilize Tibet, and ensure long-term peace and stability for Lhasa while promoting “high-quality development.” Emphasis was also made on building an army through politics, training troops for war readiness and fostering military-civilian coordination.

8. Chinese embassy hosts new year reception for Tibetans in Nepal

The Chinese Embassy in Nepal hosted a Tibetan Wood Dragon New Year reception in Kathmandu on Jan. 28, attended by Ambassador Chen Song and Wang Li from the “China Tibetan Culture Protection and Development Association.” The event was attended by nearly 1,000 Tibetan residents of Nepal. Ambassador Chen highlighted China’s economic progress under the party’s leadership and its active global engagement. He called for Tibetans in Nepal to “participate in the construction of their hometown, safeguard national unity and ethnic unity, continue to serve as bridges and links, and contribute their share to comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization,” according to a state media report. In the recent past, there has been an uptick in the Chinese government’s efforts in propagating propaganda and outreach to the Tibetan diaspora community in line with the CCP’s United Front strategy.

9. Xi’s ‘12 musts’ directive for United Front work

The second issue of “Qiushi” magazine published on Jan. 16 carried Xi Jinping’s article on United Front work. The article outlines 12 imperative guidelines derived from his speech at the Central United Front Work Conference on July 29, 2022. These directives underscore the critical role of the United Front as a strategic tool for achieving the party’s governance goals. Key points include emphasizing people’s support and collective strength, maintaining a “balance between unity and diversity,” advancing China’s political party system, fostering a sense of community among ethnic groups, promoting religious development in line with Chinese characteristics, engaging non-Communist Party intellectuals and individuals from new social strata, supporting the non-public sector’s economic growth, strengthening ties with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese communities, cultivating non-CCP representative figures, understanding the laws governing United Front work and ensuring the party’s overarching leadership in this endeavor. These guidelines serve as a comprehensive framework to guide and consolidate the party’s United Front efforts across diverse sectors and regions.

The “12 musts” as stated in the article are:

1. must give full play to the role of the United Front as an important means
2. must secure support of the people and pool strength for our cause
3. must strike the right balance between commonality and diversity
4. must uphold, develop and improve China’s new model of political party system
5. must make fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation the main task in the Party’s work related to ethnic affairs
6. must develop religions in the Chinese context
7. must foster close bonds with non-CPC intellectuals and personages from new social strata
8. must facilitate the healthy growth of the non-public sector of the economy and encourage those working in this sector to achieve success
9. must exert the role of united front work to win hearts and minds of people in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as overseas Chinese
10. must strengthen the ranks of non-CPC representative figures
11. must grasp the laws governing united front work
12. must enhance the Party’s overall leadership over united front work

RELIGION

10. Party Secretary of Tibet Autonomous Region stresses Sinification of Tibetan Buddhism

On Jan. 5, a symposium with representatives of monastic communities was conducted in Lhasa, according to state media on Jan. 6, 2024. Wang Junzheng, the secretary of the Party Committee of the Tibet Autonomous Region, emphasized the necessity of fully implementing the party’s strategy for governing Tibet and its religious work guidelines in the “new era.” The focus was on guiding Tibetan Buddhism to adapt to socialist society and actively promoting its Sinification. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the “two safeguards” and understanding the “two establishments” by the monastic community. He also highlighted the achievements of “Three Consciousnesses” education and urged consistent implementation, innovation and clear communication to unite religious circles closely under the party and the Central Committee.

Yan Jinhai, chairman of the government of the Tibet Autonomous Region, in his speech discussed the enhanced awareness among monks and nuns regarding the state’s supremacy over religion and the importance of citizenship and rule of law. Yan stressed that all levels and departments should align with the objective of Sinifying Tibetan Buddhism, handle religious affairs in compliance with the law, enhance and introduce innovations in temple management, and more effectively utilize the positive influence of Tibetan Buddhism in fostering social development and stability.

11. Tibetans forced to commemorate 130th anniversary of Mao Zedong’s birth

To commemorate the 130th anniversary of Mao Zedong’s birth, the Advanced Buddhist College in Beijing organized a “national common language recitation competition” on Dec. 22, 2023, with the theme “Commemorating the 130th Anniversary of Chairman Mao’s Birth.” According to a report on the website of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Dec. 28, 2023, 22 Tibetan Buddhist monks at the college were compelled to participate in the competition to “express deep memories of Chairman Mao and boundless affection for the motherland.”

At the event, Wang Zhigang, secretary of the Party Committee of the Academy, stressed the importance of ideological consistency with the Party Central Committee led by Xi Jinping. He instructed the Tibetan monks to strengthen their Chinese language skills, enhance their “five identities” and foster a “strong sense of the Chinese nation’s community.”

According to Radio Free Asia, Chinese authorities in Tibet forced Tibetans to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Mao’s birth on Dec. 26 by crediting Mao with the “peaceful liberation of Tibet” in 1950. A young Tibetan in Lhasa told RFA that officials used Mao’s birthday “to spread false information and distort facts about Tibet’s past history, in the hope of making the Tibetan people believe this disinformation.”

12. Chamdo County-level temple management committee grassroots party-building meeting

The 2023 grassroots party-building work report review meeting of the party secretary of the county-level Temple Management Committee of Chamdo (Changdu) City was convened via video conference on Jan. 25, according to the Chamdo United Front via state media. Representatives from various departments, including the Municipal Religious Affairs Bureau and the Municipal Buddhist Association, participated in the meeting alongside county-level cadres and temple management committee officials. During the meeting, 11 party group secretaries of the county-level temple management committees presented on-site work reports, which were evaluated on the spot, while the remaining secretaries submitted written reports. The meeting emphasized the strengthening of political construction within each temple management committee, focusing on understanding the significance of the “two establishments” (Xi Jinping stands as the undisputed core leader of the Chinese Communist Party, and Xi Jinping’s principles serve as the foundation for the future) and enhancing ideological awareness to forge a strong sense of the Chinese nation’s community and the Sinification of Tibetan Buddhism. Additionally, it called for adherence to legal regulations in religious affairs management and the Sinification of Tibetan Buddhism, alongside efforts to improve party-building work and standardize party organization construction within temple management committees.

DEVELOPMENT

13. Widespread fire in Drayab likely caused by rocket debris

A significant fire that broke out in the Drayab region of Kham, Tibet, is believed to have resulted from a rocket booster crash. Videos shared on social media depict intense flames, possibly caused by a rocket booster blast on Dec. 26. The incident in Drayab, within the traditional Tibetan province of Kham, occurred without a prior evacuation notice, unlike the precautionary announcement for seven townships in China’s Guangxi Autonomous Region. The video shows a damaged section, likely from a rocket booster, crashing in a hilly area, causing widespread fires. The incident is suspected to be linked to China’s Long March 3B rocket launch on the same day. Despite the lack of confirmation, the timing and location suggest a connection between the booster crash and the rocket launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province.

14. Government-facilitated tourism: 843 Tibetans toured Nepal in 2023

The Tourism Development Department of the Tibet Autonomous Region disclosed that the department facilitated 23 tour groups in 2023 comprising 843 individuals to travel to Nepal, including 41 tour guides and staff, according to a Chinese state media report on Dec. 26, 2023. Although the notice for outbound tourism was issued in January 2023, the first Tibet outbound tourism group embarked on its journey from Kyidong (Gyirong) port to Nepal on July 29.

Wang Xiaodong emphasized that the Tibet Autonomous Region Tourism Development Department will continue to foster both inbound and outbound tourism. They aim to enhance the promotion of overseas tourism, organize groups for exchanges with countries like Russia, Belarus, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

15. Transmission of electricity from Tibet to Chongqing in Southwest China

On Dec. 22, 2023, Chongqing Electric Power Trading Center Co., Ltd. announced the transmission of 2.768 million kilowatt-hours of power from Tibet to Chongqing, a major city in Southwest China, for the first time, according to state media. Per the state media report, this transmission is expected to pave the way for substantial consumption of Tibetan electricity in Chongqing in the future.

16. Rural Work Conference in Lhasa

On Jan. 24, the Rural Work Conference of the Tibet Autonomous Region Party Committee took place in Lhasa. Wang Junzheng, party secretary of the TAR, instructed studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives on the “three rural” work (agriculture, rural areas and farmers) for the “revitalization of the countryside.” Wang emphasized the need to thoroughly implement the instructions of the Central Rural Work Conference held in December 2023. The CCP aims to industrialize Tibet’s rural areas in the name of ensuring food security, increasing farmers’ and herdsmen’s incomes, and enhancing rural infrastructure. Measures toward this goal included promoting agricultural modernization, supporting employment transfers and developing “characteristic agriculture,” according to the report by state media. Wang emphasized the party’s leadership in rural affairs and instructed effective implementation of policies. The meeting, conducted via video and telephone conference, was attended by provincial leaders, military region officials and members from relevant party committees and the government.

17. Leaked document corroborates China’s concerning economic indicators

A leaked document of the Central Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China’s Central Committee on Learning and Implementing Xi Jinping’s Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era dated Jan. 9, 2024, provides instructions for implementing frugality by party and government organs down to the county level across China. The five-page document titled “Notice on Conscientiously Implementing the Spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Instructions and Promoting Party and Government Organs to Get Accustomed to Tightening Life” carries three points for implementing austerity measures considering concerning economic conditions in China. The leaked document corroborates analysts’ conclusion on China’s concerning economic indicators.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Family of imprisoned Tibetan businessman sues Lhasa police for mistreatment
2. University spot for hefty investment for non-Tibetans
3. Newly identified unaccounted-for Tibetans after Derge dam protest
4. Senior municipal United Front leader’s monasteries visit indicates party’s continued focus on Sinicization
5. United Front’s national security preaching tour
6. Tourist fees for visiting Tibetan landmarks
7. Chamdo deputy mayor stresses stability maintenance and state ideology alignment in religious site inspection

POLITICS

1. Family of imprisoned Tibetan businessman sues Lhasa police for mistreatment

In a rare and bold move, Gonpo Kyi and her husband Choekyong have sued Lhasa police for the mistreatment they endured for requesting a fair trial for Dorjee Tashi, Gonpo’s imprisoned brother, in December 2023. The incident occurred when the couple staged a sit-in outside the Tibet Autonomous Region Higher People’s Court in Lhasa to demand a retrial for Dorjee Tashi, who is serving a life sentence in Drapchi prison. They were detained and beaten by the police for their sit-in instead of being granted access to Dorjee Tashi in prison.

The lawsuit accuses the police of arbitrary detention and beatings, as well as denying Gonpo Kyi medical treatment for her injuries. However, due to strict government censorship, obtaining full documentation of the legal proceedings has been challenging. It’s alleged that the Lhasa city police, in collusion with the court, prevented the couple from meeting Dorjee Tashi in prison and denied their requests for a fair trial for his case.

Dorjee Tashi is serving a life sentence after being arrested in 2008. Initially facing political charges, he was later convicted of loan fraud, a charge he and his family dispute.

Despite being imprisoned since 2008, the details of Dorjee’s case only became clear when ICT was able to obtain a part of his testimony in August 2021 wherein he wrote details of his arrest, pretrial torture and petition for a fair trial.

Gonpo Kyi, Dorjee’s sister, has been staging sit-ins in front of the TAR People’s Court in Lhasa since June 2022 demanding justice for her brother.

2. University spot for hefty investment for non-Tibetans

Reuters on March 21 reported that Tibet’s government under China extends a perplexing proposition to prospective college exam candidates, allowing them to secure a spot in universities in exchange for a hefty investment of 3 million yuan ($417,000) from their parents.

This university spot in exchange for significant investment raises several concerns.

Past anecdotal evidence of such abuse of the system has not been considered. Although a university spot in exchange for investment is rarely heard of, anecdotes of Chinese students from towns and cities in China using their connections to usurp spots reserved for Tibetans have been reported multiple times in the past by Tibetan students. Unlike the past practices of usurping spots meant for Tibetans through personal networks and bureaucratic corruption, the government of the officially designated Tibet Autonomous Region offering such a scheme is concerning for the systemic problems that come to light, as well as in encouraging potential Chinese settlers in Tibet.

The scheme appears to exploit the access to education affirmative action in Tibet. Equity and fairness in access to education, particularly for local Tibetan students who face increased competition from wealthier students coming from outside the region, are a huge concern.

The issue also highlights broader socioeconomic challenges, including rising unemployment rates among young people in China. While the scheme may bring capital into Tibet, it risks exacerbating inequality and widening the gap between wealthy urban centers and marginalized regions like Tibet.

3. Newly identified unaccounted-for Tibetans after Derge dam protest

Exile Tibetan language media outlet the Tibet Times reported on March 28 that, while most of the Tibetans, including numerous monks, who were detained, severely ill-treated and beaten by Chinese police since late February 2024 in Derge (Chinese: Dege) county of Kardze prefecture, Sichuan province, have been released recently, some of the Tibetans remain missing. More than 10 Tibetans, including university students, who were disappeared after submitting petitions against a proposed hydropower station over the Drichu (Jinsha) river, are yet to be accounted for. Some of them have been identified as Rigzin, Thubphur, Dechen Dolma, Yangkyi, Dechen Palmo, Rinchen Dolma and Tsedrub.

Besides the newly identified unaccounted-for Tibetans, two individuals, Tenzin Sangpo, a senior administrator of the local Wonto Monastery, and a village official named Tenzin, who were arrested on February 23, are still under arrest and have been handed over for prosecution. They are suspected of organizing the protests against the Kamtog (Gangtuo) dam project.

RELIGION

4. Senior municipal United Front leader’s monasteries visit indicates party’s continued focus on Sinicization

On March 18, Kelsang Tseten, a member of the Standing Committee of the Lhasa Municipal Party Committee and Minister of the United Front Work Department, visited remote monasteries in Meldrogongkar county, Lhasa City. While the visit was framed by Chinese state media as a chance to investigate living conditions, it raises concerns about the suppression of religious freedom in Tibet.

Tseten’s emphasis on political control and adherence to Chinese Communist Party doctrine in his instructions to the cadres stationed in the monasteries indicates a focus on curtailing religious expression. His demands for the “three consciousnesses” campaign to infiltrate the monasteries and strict adherence to regulations by the monastics indicate the CCP’s continued focus on “Sinicizing” Tibetan Buddhist monastics, meaning to make them subservient to the Chinese government.

Furthermore, directives to investigate “hidden dangers” and expand propaganda activities reinforce government surveillance and control over religious institutions.

5. United Front’s national security preaching tour

In efforts to bolster the so-called “three consciousnesses”—national awareness, citizen engagement and adherence to the rule of law—campaign among farmers, herdsmen, monks and nuns, the Dzogang (Zuogang) county CCP and government under Chamdo (Changdu) Prefectural-level city dispatched officials from the United Front Work Department of Zuogong County on a “three consciousness” tour across 14 villages and temples. With a focus on reaching out to 500 individuals, including monks, nuns and residents, the officials preached the significance of supporting the Communist Party’s leadership and prioritizing state laws over religious regulations as part of the “Eighth Five-Year Plan” for legal popularization. According to state media, they emphasized the cultivation of “politically reliable monks” and the safeguarding of national security with content focused on the National Security Law of the People’s Republic of China. The Tibetans were instructed to abide by China’s law and uphold national security.

Similarly, on March 21, the United Front Work Department and the District Justice Bureau conducted the “Law into Religious Venues” campaign in monasteries in Nedong County, located in the Lhoka Prefectural-level city. According to Chinese state media reports, this campaign is part of the promotion of the “Eighth Five-Year Plan” aimed at propagating Xi Jinping’s thoughts on the rule of law. During this campaign, monks “receive education” on China’s laws concerning religion, including the “Religious Affairs Regulations,” “Measures on Management of Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism” and other state religious regulations.

6. Tourist fees for visiting Tibetan landmarks

Several prominent Tibetan historical, cultural and religious landmarks, including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka Palace, have been converted into tourist attractions by Chinese authorities in Tibet. While Tibetans revere these landmarks as invaluable embodiments of their culture, religion and civilizational heritage, the Chinese authorities impose a tiered ticketing system with prices varying according to season.

For the Potala Palace, the seat of the Dalai Lamas, the off-season runs from March 16 to April 30, 2024, with tickets priced at 100 yuan per person. During the peak season (May 1 to October 31), the price rises to 200 yuan for Line 1 and 100 yuan for Line 2. Similarly, the Norbulingka Palace, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, has a set price of 60 yuan per person. Access to Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet, appears to be controlled through a daily ticket reservation limit, though the price is yet to be announced.

7. Chamdo deputy mayor stresses stability maintenance and state ideology alignment in religious site inspection

In a recent development, Dolkar, the deputy mayor of the municipal government, embarked on an inspection tour of temple management committees and religious sites in Menda (Mianda) Township, Kama (Gama) Township, and Chawe (Chaiwei) Township in Kharub (Karuo) District in Chamdo Prefectural-level city, TAR, according to a state media report on March 18.

Dolkar’s emphasis on stability maintenance reinforces the implementation of surveillance and control within religious institutions infringing upon the rights of religious freedom and autonomy of religious communities.

Furthermore, the directive to strengthen temple management and the implementation of “Three Consciousnesses” education to promote ethnic unity are indicative of coercion and manipulation of religious practices and beliefs to align with state ideology.

Wellington : Following her successful visit to Australia, Kalon Norzin Dolma of Department of Information and International Relations, CTA arrived in Wellington, New Zealand on 19 November 2023.

Kalon was warmly received at the airport by Robin Greenberg , a member of Wellington chapter of Friends of Tibet(FoT).

Kalon Norzin Dolma then went to meet the members of the Wellington based FoT and thanked them for their long standing support to the Tibetan movement. She informed them of the critical situation in Tibet, where culture genocide is going on through the sinicisation of Tibetan buddhism and boarding school. She also briefed them about the policy of Middle Way Approach of CTA for resolving the Sino Tibet Conflict. The meeting also had productive discussion on some future activities.

Later in the evening, Kalon was invited for a dinner reception hosted in her honour by organisers of Asia Pacific Security  Innovation Summit.

On 20 November, Kalon Norzin Dolma will be participating as one of speakers on “Soft Power Statecraft” at the Annual Summit of Asia Pacific Security Innovation (ASPI) Forum, leading New Zealand think tank in strategic partnership and cooperation in International Relations.

Kalon will also be meeting the members New Zealand Tibetan Community and Tibet supporters at Mount Eden Memorial Hall in Auckland on 21 November .
Kalon Norzin Dolma is accompanied by Representative Karma Singey of Office of Tibet, Canberra. Kalon will return to India from Auckland, New Zealand on 22 November.

–Reported by OOT, Canberra 

October, Free Tibet – 

One of four students who went missing in March 2023 has escaped a human trafficking operation and returned home safely. Free Tibet’s research partner, Tibet Watch, has been told of the student’s ordeal.

Prior to their disappearance in March, eight students were contacted by a Chinese businessman from Sungchu (Ch: Songpan) County in the Ngaba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. The man promised the students that he would help them escape to India and arrange for them to have jobs when they arrived, assuring them that they need not worry about money, passports, or safety.

As instructed, the eight students then ran away from their school in Chuchen (Ch: Jinchuan) County to meet with the businessman in Lhasa. At this point, despite assurances from the man that money would not be an issue, he began to ask questions if they had brought enough money with them. This prompted four of the students to grow suspicious of the man and decide to find their own way to India, which eventually led to their detention by Chinese authorities.

Those students that remained with the man were taken to the border with Myanmar, where they were handed over to strangers believed to be members of a criminal organisation. The students were loaded into a truck and driven into Myanmar over multiple days, driving only during the night and resting in the daytime. During the journey they were made to change trucks several times and obtained a number of checkpoint permit documents.

At some point during their journey, on the Myanmar side of the border, the students were separated and taken to different locations. The student who later escaped back to Tibet was taken to a compound in a forest, surrounded by electric fencing and barbed wire, containing a four/five storey building.

The student was initially allowed to rest for a couple of days and was given food. However, after this, the strangers demanded that the student pay them over 1,000,000RMB (roughly £113,830). When they discovered that the student did not have enough money they gave them two options: either work off the debt, or ask his parents to pay.

The student was allowed to contact their family over the phone to ask for the money. The family were told that a criminal organisation had bought their child from a human trafficking group, and that to get them back would cost 3,000,000RMB (roughly £341,430). The criminal organisation claimed that, since they had bought the child rather than kidnapping or abducting them, they were legal owners and not committing any criminal act.

The family agreed to pay this price to rescue their child but also contacted the police for assistance. The family have stated that they found the police uncooperative; Tawu County police told the family that, since the matter was concerning foreign human trafficking operations, it was out of their jurisdiction and refused to offer any help.

The family transferred over the money, however the criminal organisation then demanded more to cover additional expenses of food, travel, and permits. While the family initially refused to pay this amount, as they had already given so much, they were left with no choice but to do so.

Seeking guidance, and fearing for the safety of their child, the family asked a Buddhist Lama for advice. The Lama prophesied that the child should escape as soon as possible, otherwise it would become impossible to do so. Still trapped in the compound in Myanmar, the family were able to relay this message to the child, who then took the opportunity under the cover of night to jump from the second storey of the building and flee into the forest.

The child was able to reach a village near the Myanmar border, where they called their family to come and rescue them. Three members of the family entered Myanmar and were able to safely bring the child home.

Now back in safe hands, the student shared their harrowing experience. They said that there were many more young people just like them in the compound. Some young adults were recruited into the trafficking gangs through brutal tests of torture and murder, other people were forced to contact their friends to lure them into being trafficked. They also claimed that those who were not able to accomplish this task were tortured and sold on, or had their organs harvested.

As they were separated in Myanmar, the safety, wellbeing and whereabouts of the other three students who are still missing is unknown. We will report any further updates as they are received.

Information supplied by Tibet Watch