New York: On 15 January 2026, the Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang Foundation (Hu-Zhao Foundation) marked its 20th anniversary with a commemorative gathering in New York. The event reflected on the work of Chinese democratic ideals and discussed China’s prospects amid global transformation. Zhang Aimei, president of the foundation, and Hu Ping, Honorary Editor-in-Chief of Beijing Spring, moderated the commemorative event. Chinese democratic leaders, scholars, and media commentators gathered to share their perspectives on China’s path through the current global transformation. Tsultrim Gyatso, Chinese Liaison Officer from the Office of Tibet in Washington DC, joined as an invited guest and shared his thoughts on Tibet amid these transformations.
Professor Andrew Nathan, Yan Jiaqi, and Professor Li Shaomin sent letters of commemoration. Wang Juntao, president of the China Democratic Party, spoke about his vision for the foundation’s mission and his insights on bringing change to China. Deng Yuwen discussed the transformations in US-China relations. Wei Bizhou addressed the evolution of the international order amid these changes. Li Hengqing spoke on China’s economic crisis and the impact of global change. Ye Ning, Rong Wei, Yu Ping, Zheng Xuguang, and Zhang Jie also shared their thoughts on global transformation and the opportunities and challenges facing China’s democratic movement.
Tsultrim first reflected on the progressive policies toward Tibet implemented by Hu and Zhao during the 1980s, then spoke about the severe current situation in Tibet, including the systematic destruction of Tibetan-language education through forced assimilation in boarding schools and extreme religious suppression. He condemned China’s attempts to control the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism, calling it an atheist regime’s absurd interference in religious tradition.
Tsultrim emphasised that the Middle Way remains the Central Tibetan Administration’s core policy for resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict, but China must respond positively. He reaffirmed the Tibetan people’s unwavering commitment to follow His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s guidance, stating that non-violent principles and dialogue to resolve the conflict will remain steadfast under any circumstances or transformation. He also encouraged Chinese friends to visit Dharamshala to better understand Tibet.
– Report filed by Office of Tibet, Washington DC
