Washington D.C.: On 7 May 2025 (EDT), Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration held several substantive meetings, advancing the Tibetan cause and strengthening U.S. support ahead of the upcoming 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The day began with an interactive session at the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank renowned for its expertise on global affairs. Sikyong was joined by staff from the Office of Tibet, Washington, D.C., and the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT). The session brought together eight researchers and experts on Asia, with a particular focus on China. Discussions covered a broad range of topics, including the worsening human rights situation in Tibet, Beijing’s policy of sinicisation, and the ongoing concerns surrounding the reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Sikyong highlighted the Chinese government’s possible attempt to appoint its own Dalai Lama and underscored the need for the international community to remain vigilant.
Following the Brookings session, Sikyong proceeded to Capitol Hill for a series of meetings with members of the United States Congress. His first engagement was with Representative Mike Lawler of New York, who welcomed Sikyong warmly and inquired about the outcomes of his recent meetings in Washington. Sikyong briefed the Congressman on his efforts to garner bipartisan support for a resolution in honor of the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, proposed to be observed as the “Year of Compassion.” He also raised the need for the reappointment of a Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues within the U.S. State Department.
Representative Lawler expressed strong support for the Tibetan cause and affirmed his commitment to contributing in any capacity possible. Sikyong and his team emphasised that Tibetan programs and advocacy are not merely cultural or humanitarian in nature, but strategic elements that align closely with U.S. interests in countering China. Upon being invited to visit Dharamshala during the Year of Compassion, Representative Lawler conveyed his keen interest and remarked that he would be happy to make the visit.
Sikyong’s next meeting was with Representative Jamie Raskin, a longstanding advocate for human rights and religious freedom. Representative Raskin has previously called for the release of Tibetan writers detained under dubious charges and voiced concerns regarding widespread human rights violations in Tibet. During their exchange, Sikyong and his team reiterated Tibet’s unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance, emphasizing that peaceful methods not only uphold moral principles but are also a more sustainable and less costly. They further discussed the proposed resolution for His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and called for continued congressional backing.
Sikyong also presented an overview of funding requirements for various programs under the CTA. While he noted that projects supported by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) are now back on track, other initiatives, particularly the Resilience Programs, require the resumption of financial support. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of Radio Free Asia (RFA) and Voice of America (VOA) as vital sources of information for Tibetans inside Tibet. He shared that many Tibetans inside Tibet refer to their inability to access news as “not receiving their morning tea,” underscoring the desperation for uncensored information from the outside world.
Representative Raskin and his team expressed strong solidarity with the Tibetan people, affirming their support and compassion by stating, “the cause of Tibet is very close to my heart.”
The following meeting was with Representative Ami Bera, who has previously visited Dharamshala and had an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Their discussion centred on the issue of reincarnation. Representative Bera inquired about the future succession of His Holiness, to which Sikyong responded by reaffirming that any decision in this regard lies solely with His Holiness. He noted that while a gathering of the heads of all Tibetan Buddhist sects is expected later this year, it remains uncertain whether His Holiness will make a public statement on the matter.
Sikyong referenced the 2011 guidelines, which suggest His Holiness may speak on the issue upon turning 90. However, Sikyong emphasised that the decision ultimately rests with His Holiness alone, and should he choose not to make any pronouncement, that choice must be respected. Representative Bera expressed appreciation and reaffirmed his willingness to offer support to the Tibetan community in any way he can.
Sikyong’s final engagement on Capitol Hill was with staff members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC). After receiving a detailed briefing on Sikyong’s meetings and legislative requests, the staffers said that internal discussions are underway. They conveyed their intention to ensure outcomes that are constructive and beneficial, and assured that they would coordinate with staffers from other congressional offices to explore possible resolutions and letters in support of the Tibetan cause.
The day concluded with an interview at the Office of Tibet, Washington, D.C., where Sikyong reflected on his engagements on the hill.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering Continues U.S. Visit with Congressional Meetings and Think Tank Engagements
