Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) [India], March 24 (ANI): Sikyong Penpa Tsering, head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), said rising international recognition of Tibet’s historical status might compel China to reopen negotiations, while describing existing back-channel contacts as mostly “inconsequential.”
Speaking to ANI in Dharamshala, Tsering said the CTA’s approach is to persuade more governments to acknowledge Tibet’s historical sovereignty.
“By having more countries accept the reality of Tibet’s sovereignty in the past, that might force the Chinese government to come and talk to us, that’s one idea,” he said.
He said productive talks appear unlikely under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, so the Tibetan administration will continue appealing to the international community until conditions for meaningful dialogue change.
“Right now, if you look at the policies of the Xi Jinping government, one pillar of the government looks very unlikely that there could be any productive talks, so that’s why we keep saying that till such a time we will have to reach out to the international community,” Tsering said.
Tsering stressed the CTA is not asking countries to “lie” about Tibet’s status but to recognise documented historical evidence. He said he carries two books: one by a Chinese scholar showing that imperial China did not consider Tibet part of China, and another examining Tibetan history from a legal standpoint that reaches the same conclusion.
He acknowledged some communication channels with Beijing remain but said they have yielded little. “There have been back channels. I cannot lie about what is happening and what is not happening. I have said that many times, but it’s inconsequential because there is nothing that can come out of it… it’s just more information sharing,” he said.
Tsering expressed concern over tightening control inside Tibet, noting harsher restrictions have made it harder for Tibetans to leave. “Last year it was less than 50, and this year it’s just a few that managed to come out because there are much more restrictions. There is much more control inside Tibet,” he said.
He accused Chinese authorities of using advanced surveillance technology—including Western products from Silicon Valley and firms like IBM, and methods such as thermal DNA testing—to monitor and control Tibetans, tracking financial transactions and other activities.
Despite these measures, Tsering said Tibetans remain loyal to the Dalai Lama and committed to preserving their culture. “But still revenge spirit has not broken. Even though they’re not able to come out. Their spirit, their respect and loyalty for his Holiness the Dalai Lama and for the importance of Tibetan culture,” he said.
Tsering also thanked voters after his re-election as Sikyong. The Tibetan Election Commission-in-exile on February 13 declared him elected for the 17th Kashag after he secured more than 60 per cent of votes in the preliminary round, eliminating the need for a runoff. (ANI)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
