Sikyong with Damon Wilson, President of the National Endowment of Democracy.
Washington DC: In the early hours of 26 April 2025 (IST), Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration departed on a month-long official visit to three nations: the United States, Canada, and Japan. This significant diplomatic engagement comes at a critical juncture for the Tibetan cause, amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and recent shifts in U.S. foreign assistance policies.
Upon his arrival in Washington, D.C. on the afternoon of 27 April 2025 (EDT), Sikyong was warmly received at the airport by Representative Namgyal Choedup and Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso from the Office of Tibet, Washington, D.C., along with representatives of the Tibetan Association and members of the local Tibetan community.
Sikyong’s visit to the U.S. takes on heightened importance in light of the new U.S. administration assuming office and ongoing deliberations concerning the allocation of foreign aid. In this context, Sikyong seeks to underscore that U.S. support for the Tibetan people should not be viewed merely through the lens of humanitarian assistance. Rather, the Tibetan issue is inherently linked to American strategic interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and is reflective of the values the United States upholds.
On 28 April, Sikyong met with Damon Wilson, President of the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), at the latter’s office. Representative Namgyal Choedup accompanied Sikyong during the meeting. The discussion centred on the current political climate in Washington and the implications of administrative transitions on institutions like NED, which has long supported democratic initiatives and resilience programs in the Tibetan community.
Following this meeting, Sikyong met with Bay Fang, President and CEO of Radio Free Asia (RFA), along with Chief Communications Officer Rohit Mahajan and members of the RFA staff at their headquarters. RFA leadership conveyed their deep concerns regarding the possible imminent closure due to funding shortfalls. They underscored that the organisation may be forced to go dark within weeks if no remedial action is taken. Sikyong expressed his solidarity with RFA staff and promised to discuss about this in his forthcoming meetings on Capitol Hill.
Continuing his high level engagements, Sikyong met with U.S. Representative Young Kim, a steadfast supporter of the Tibetan cause. Congresswoman Kim has consistently championed human rights in Tibet, including introducing resolutions that condemn the Chinese Communist Party’s repressive policies and ongoing violations of fundamental freedoms in Tibet. During the meeting, Sikyong, accompanied by Representative Namgyal Choedup from the Office of Tibet and Tencho Gyatso from the International Campaign for Tibet, extended an invitation to Representative Kim to attend events marking the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
Sikyong then provided an overview of the CTA’s annual budget, with particular reference to the portion supported by U.S. funding. He highlighted the impact of recent financial reductions, noting that these cuts have directly affected several key resilience programs serving Tibetan communities in exile. He expressed concern that these reductions threaten the sustainability of essential initiatives aimed at preserving Tibetan identity and education.
To this, Representative Kim expressed her continued solidarity with the Tibetan people and reiterated her commitment to advocating for robust U.S. support for Tibetan programs and initiatives. Sikyong also emphasised the strategic significance of the Tibetan Plateau, particularly in the context of China’s increasing militarisation and environmental exploitation of the region. He warned that China’s weaponisation of Tibet’s natural resources and geography poses long-term security risks not only to Asia but also to global stability. In response, Representative Young Kim acknowledged the concerns raised by Sikyong and assured the delegation that she is fully aware of the broader implications surrounding the situation in Tibet and the importance of sustaining U.S. support. She noted that she would look into possible ways to address the issues highlighted during the meeting and see what can be done to strengthen support for the Tibetan people.
The final official engagement of the day was a meeting with U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, who has previously expressed support for the Tibetan people. Sikyong briefed Senator Rosen on recent developments, including his ongoing correspondence with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a long-standing advocate for the Tibetan cause. He also offered an overview of the financial support extended by the U.S. to the CTA, to which Senator Rosen remarked on how the funding, though small in the context of the overall U.S. federal budget has had profound and far-reaching effects in sustaining Tibetan communities.
Senator Rosen commended the strong bipartisan consensus that Tibet has consistently enjoyed in the U.S. Congress and reaffirmed her commitment to continuing advocacy on Tibet-related issues. As a gesture of appreciation, Sikyong presented her with a signed copy of Voice for the Voiceless, the latest publication by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Senator Rosen accepted the gift warmly, expressing her gratitude and noting, with a smile, that she now has a new book to accompany her on her next flight.
Sikyong in a meeting with RFA leadership.
Sikyong with Bay Fang, President and CEO of RFA.
Sikyong with RFA leadership and staff at RFA headquarters, D.C.
Sikyong presenting a signed copy of the latest book of His Holiness to Senator Jacky Rosen.
Sikyong presenting a copy of Voice for the Voiceless, personally signed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, to Rep. Young Kim.
