Head of Tibetan Government in exile announces opening of back-channel talks with China
- In Reports
- 05:40 PM, Apr 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Tibetan government-in-exile and China are engaging in back-channel discussions, indicating a renewed willingness from both sides to re-establish dialogue. This comes over a decade after the formal negotiation process stalled due to anti-China protests in Tibet and Beijing's firm stance towards the Buddhist region.
Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong or political leader of Tibet's government-in-exile, has confirmed the occurrence of informal discussions. He stated that his counterpart has been engaging with individuals in Beijing, although there is currently no anticipation of immediate progress.
Tsering informed a small group of journalists that back-channel engagement has been ongoing since last year. He stressed that there are no immediate expectations from the discussions, highlighting the necessity for a long-term approach. Tsering described the talks as "very informal".
From 2002 to 2010, the Dalai Lama's representatives and the Chinese government engaged in nine rounds of dialogue, yielding no concrete outcome. Since then, no formal talks have occurred. Senior Tibetan leaders suggest that back-channel discussions aim to revive the dialogue process, seen as the only solution to the Tibetan issue.
The CTA leader noted that the tense relations between New Delhi and Beijing since the 2020 eastern Ladakh conflict have brought attention to the Tibetan issue in India.
Tsering highlighted the increasing attention to the Tibetan issue in India due to Chinese aggression on the border. He urged India to provide greater support for the Tibetan cause, noting India's expanding global influence.
Following the 1959 failed uprising, the 14th Dalai Lama sought refuge in India, establishing the government-in-exile. Formal negotiations between Chinese officials and the Dalai Lama or his representatives have not taken place since 2010.
Beijing contends that it liberated "serfs and slaves" from a harsh theocracy in Tibet and is leading the region towards prosperity and modernisation. China accuses the Dalai Lama of engaging in "separatist" activities and views him as a divisive figure.
The Dalai Lama asserts that he seeks genuine autonomy, not independence, for Tibetans in the three traditional provinces under the "Middle-Way approach". Relations soured due to protests in Tibetan areas against China in 2008.
The Sikyong noted India's silence on Tibet during UN Human Rights Council reviews of China's human rights. He urged India, given its historical understanding of Tibet, to be more vocal. From 2002 to 2010, Tibet advocated for genuine autonomy in line with the Dalai Lama's middle-way policy in talks with China. The Dalai Lama favours resolving the Tibetan issue through dialogue.
Last year, the Dalai Lama affirmed his willingness to engage in talks with China, stating that Tibet seeks to remain a part of the People's Republic of China, not seeking complete independence. Tsering suggested that smoother relations between India and China could facilitate progress in resolving the Tibetan issue.
He also emphasised the deep cultural and heritage ties between India and Tibet, noting the Dalai Lama's acknowledgment of being a "son of Indian soil" and a "messenger of Indian wisdom". Tsering remarked that while Tibetans share a close affinity with Indian culture, their connection with China is not as strong.
Image source: Hindustan times
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