Washington DC: In commemoration of the 65th Tibetan Uprising Day, Chinese experts and academicians organised a virtual international conference. The five-hour conference was hosted by Washington-based IPK Media in collaboration with the Office of Tibet. Friends of Tibet, including around 30 Chinese experts and activists from different parts of the world, former and current Chinese Liaison Officers of the CTA, special guest Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup, Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen, President Tencho Gyatso of the International Campaign for Tibet, and Tibetan Parliamentarian Choedak Gyatso, participated in the virtual conference.
Head of IPK Media, Wang Ruiqin, stressed the importance of the Chinese people paying attention to the Tibetan struggle and, in particular, raising the Chinese government’s continued oppression inside Tibet through this virtual conference.
North American Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso highlighted the significance of Wang Ruiqin arranging this meeting in support of the Tibetan freedom movement and the message it conveys, noting her past membership in the Communist Party and her contact with Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile. He added that this conference signifies the Chinese people’s voluntary support for the Tibetan struggle, aligning with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s aspirations for continued contact between Tibet and China. He also emphasised strong vocal support from Chinese friends for Tibetans amidst the Derge issue.
Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup explained that liaison efforts with China align with His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s aspirations and are integral to the objectives of the CTA and the Office of Tibet. Commending the organisation of the virtual conference to mark the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day, he stressed the importance of continued contact between Tibet and China, especially expressing hope for increased youth engagement.
ICT President Tencho Gyatso expressed gratitude to participants for attending the conference and showing support for the Tibetan movement. She highlighted that the International Campaign for Tibet was founded after His Holiness presented the Five-Point Peace Plan to the US Congress and through Tibet advocacy, has lobbied the US government to pass legislations on Tibet.
Representative Kelsang Gyaltsen discussed the commemoration event in Taiwan and the significance of remembering such a historic event. Additionally, he spoke on the recently published white paper by the Chinese government. He applauded successful advocacy efforts resulting in the passage of Tibet-related laws in the US and called for similar advocacy elsewhere.
Australian Chinese Liaison Officer Dawa Sangmo emphasised the Tibetan freedom struggle’s 65-year resilience, stressing the importance of support and cooperation from the Chinese people.
Former Chinese Liaison Officer Dhadon highlighted the importance of understanding the situation inside Tibet and explained ongoing challenges. She urged Chinese friends to continue their support.
In a similar vein, former Chinese Liaison Officer Lobsang Nyima talked about the historical background of both China and Tibet and explained how the PRC’s misrepresentation of historical facts combined with its ongoing repressive policies inside Tibet could make the Tibet-China conflict impossible to resolve in the future.
Tibetan Parliamentarian Choedak Gyatso commended Chinese friends for organising the conference in solidarity with Tibetans, referring to the Middle Way Approach conceived by His Holiness as the best solution for resolving the Tibet-China conflict.
Chinese experts and activists attending the conference delivered addresses expressing solidarity with Tibetans and reviewing the situation inside Tibet. Famed writer Huping criticised the Sinicization policy of the Chinese government, emphasising the distinctiveness of Tibetan culture and people. Human rights activist Chen Guangcheng praised the ethical and lawful nature of the Tibetan struggle and expressed appreciation for Tibetan cultural values. Australia-based Chinese expert Feng Chongyi shared a heartfelt apology on behalf of the Chinese government, acknowledging his support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and advising Chinese society to learn from Tibetans. Similarly, Chinese activists Teng Biao, Sheng Xue, Lai Jianping, Chen Chuangchuang, Uyghur activist Ilshat, and Mongolian activist Xi Haiming expressed hope for a swift resolution of the Tibet-China conflict.
–Filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC
Famous human rights activist Mr. Chen Guangcheng addressing the conference
Scholar Feng Chongyi addressing the conference
Mongolian activist Xi Haiming addressing the conference
Uyghur activist Ilshat addressing the conference
Dr. Teng Biao addressing the conference
Chinese scholar Chen Chuangchuang addressing the conference
