On the afternoon of Sunday, 28 December 2025, the Office of Tibet in Washington DC, with strong support from Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, successfully organised the “Year of Compassion – Canada Sino-Tibet Dialogue” event in Toronto. This exchange gathering brought together young participants from the 2025 Tibetan Youth Leadership and Capacity Building Workshop, along with Chinese democracy activists and Chinese youth from across Canada, for sincere and in-depth dialogue.
At the opening of the event, Representative Namgyal Choedup delivered welcoming remarks. He first warmly welcomed all attendees and briefly outlined His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s core principles of compassion, dialogue, and reconciliation, as well as the severe situation currently facing in Tibet. The Representative noted that although Tibetans face numerous challenges in their struggle for freedom and cultural preservation, under His Holiness’s wise guidance, seeking understanding and consensus through dialogue remains the most important approach.
He particularly emphasised that Sino-Tibet dialogue not only helps eliminate misunderstandings and build mutual trust, but can also lay a grassroots foundation for the peaceful resolution of the Tibet-China conflict in the future. He called on all parties to cherish such exchange opportunities and continue to advance this constructive work.
Subsequently, Sheng Xue, a prominent Chinese democracy activist based in Canada, delivered a deeply moving speech on behalf of the Chinese participants. She reflected emotionally on the history of Tibetan-Chinese grassroots exchanges over the years, noting that under the moral inspiration and selfless dedication of His Holiness, deep bonds have been established between Tibetan and Chinese people. Sheng stated that among the many freedom movements worldwide resisting oppression by the Chinese Communist government, Tibetans, through their non-violent and persevering spirit, have united their entire nation’s strength and set a shining example in the international community’s freedom struggle, providing valuable inspiration to all people pursuing democracy and freedom, including the Chinese. She emphasised that all ethnic groups are victims of the CCP’s authoritarian rule, and only through unity can we welcome freedom together.
Approximately 30 Tibetan youth (mainly workshop participants) and about 40 Chinese participated in this dialogue event. The Chinese attendees came from multiple organisations, including Canada-based Chinese democracy groups, human rights organisations, as well as civil society organisations and activist networks newly established by Chinese youth following the 2022 White Paper Movement.
The event adopted an open forum format with interactive Q&A sessions. Participants engaged in candid and in-depth exchanges on numerous topics, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s promotion of compassion and non-violence, Tibet’s history and current situation, and many other issues. For many participants, this was their first opportunity to listen to each other’s voices face-to-face and exchange their experiences and perspectives.
During the discussion sessions, Tibetan youth shared their efforts and concerns regarding the preservation of the Tibetan language and the continuation of traditional culture; Chinese youth recounted their experiences in mainland China and their profound understanding of freedom and democracy after going into exile overseas. Both sides discovered that despite different backgrounds, their pursuit of freedom, human rights, and dignity is universal, and their desire to end authoritarian rule and establish a democratic society is unanimous.
Several youth representatives shared their reflections during the event. One Tibetan participant stated: “Today’s dialogue deeply moved for seeing the support of Chinese friends. Only through dialogue and understanding can we move forward together into the future.”
A Chinese youth who engaged in the White Paper Movement said: “For a long time, the CCP’s brainwashing propaganda has caused many Han Chinese to misunderstand the Tibet issue. Through today’s exchange, I have gained a clearer understanding that what the Tibetan people are pursuing is basic human rights and cultural protection. Our younger generation has a responsibility to break down barriers and establish genuine understanding and friendship.”
In the closing session, participants from both the Tibetan and Chinese sides agreed that continuing such dialogues has important practical significance and far-reaching meaning. Such exchanges not only enhance mutual understanding and eliminate long-standing misunderstandings and prejudices, but also lay a solid foundation for establishing future Tibetan-Chinese relations based on respect, equality, and mutual trust. Participants from both sides solemnly committed to continuing to actively participate in and strongly support future Sino-Tibet dialogue events, and to bring this spirit of dialogue back to their respective communities, influencing more people to participate in the cause.
With this hopeful shared commitment, the “Year of Compassion – Canada Sino-Tibet Dialogue” celebration event came to a successful conclusion. Attendees expressed that this event was a successful dialogue.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC
