Reaffirming the Tibetan leadership’s commitment to resolving the Tibet-China conflict through peaceful dialogue, Penpa Tsering said the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) would continue pursuing the 14th Dalai Lama’s “Middle Way Policy” despite shrinking prospects for negotiations with China.
Delivering his inaugural address after taking oath as the Sikyong (President) of the Tibetan government-in-exile at the Tsuglagkhang Temple in McLeodganj, Tsering criticised Beijing’s policies in Tibet, accusing the Chinese government of systematically attempting to erase Tibetan national identity through state-backed measures targeting Tibetan language, religion and culture.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the 14th Dalai Lama, senior CTA officials, members of the Tibetan community and international supporters. The event marked the beginning of Tsering’s second consecutive term at a time when concerns are intensifying over the future of Tibetan leadership and China’s increasing assertions over Tibet-related matters, particularly the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.
“Given the Chinese government’s current policy direction towards the nationalities, there does not seem to be much space for negotiations,” Tsering said in his address. Despite this, he asserted that the 17th Kashag, or cabinet of the CTA, remained firmly committed to the Middle Way Policy envisioned by the Dalai Lama.
He said the approach seeks a lasting and mutually beneficial solution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through non-violence, dialogue and coexistence rather than confrontation. Tsering added that the Tibetan administration would continue cautious backchannel communication with the Chinese government while simultaneously expanding international support for the Tibetan cause.
Accusing Beijing of waging a “state-backed campaign” against Tibetan identity, Tsering alleged that China was also using misinformation and propaganda to create divisions among Tibetan exile communities, organisations and Tibet support groups worldwide. He urged Tibetans and their supporters to remain vigilant against Chinese influence operations.
Calling for stronger global advocacy on Tibet, Tsering appealed to international allies, activists and Tibet support groups to collectively raise issues related to “genocide and crimes against humanity” in global forums.
He also addressed growing concerns surrounding the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and China’s attempts to influence the process. Referring to the Tibetan Policy and Support Act passed by the United States, Tsering noted that the law authorises sanctions against Chinese officials interfering in the recognition of the Dalai Lama’s successor.
He further cited the Resolve Tibet Act, stating that it recognises Tibet’s historical status and acknowledges that the Tibet-China dispute remains unresolved under international law.
In his concluding remarks, Tsering reiterated the Tibetan administration’s commitment to countering Chinese disinformation regarding Tibet and the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, while expressing hope for the eventual reunion of Tibetans living inside and outside Tibet.
Senior Adviser to Ambassador Sergio Gor Brand Kroeger attended the event from the US Embassy.
