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The door is open to everybody: TPI interview with Sikyong Vol. 03, Issue 140, Print Issue 64, September 15, 2015 Monk arrested over sharing His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s photos

By Yeshe Choesang: September 15, 2015

Dharamshala — Chinese police detained a Tibetan monk from Rongwo Monastery on suspicions of possessing photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his mobile phone and sharing them with friends online.

“The monk, Gedun Chophel, 46, was detained from his monastery on 10 July 2015. Almost two months after his arbitrary detention,” sources told the Tibet Post International.

The sources that “Choephel is still being held at a detention centre in Dragmar in Rebgong, Amdo region of Tibet (Ch: Tongren) County in Malho (Ch: Huangnan, Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province.)”

Although the police have not given any reason for his sudden detention, local Tibetans suspect that he was arrested for possessing images of His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his mobile phone.

“He might have been arrested for keeping images of the Dalai Lama in his mobile phone, and sending these images to his friends,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Chophel was born in Gomar Village in Nyenthog (Ch: Nianduhu) Township in Rebgong County, located in Amdo Province in north-eastern Tibet. He became monk at a young age, joining Thoesam Norling College at Rongwo Monastery.

At the time his detention, he was a student of the Vinaya class.

Dalai Lama calls for more research on Panchen Lama

By Reuters: September 14, 2015

Dharamshala, India — Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, on Saturday stressed the need for more research works on Panchen Lama after China last week said that the second-highest figure in Tibetan Buddhism is “living a normal life”.

Almost a week back, Norbu Dunzhub, a member of the Tibet Autonomous Region’s United Front Work Department, had claimed that ‘the reincarnated child’ Panchen Lama was being educated, living a normal life, growing up healthily and did not wish to be disturbed.

Responding to the rare admission of the fate of Gendun Choekyi Nyima, now 26, who was six years old when he was taken away after exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama named him as the 11th Panchen Lama, Dalai Lamasaid more research was needed in the subject.“I don’t know. We need more research work,” said Dalai Lama.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the disappearance of Gendun Choekyi Nyima, whose fate remains of deep concern to many Tibetans.

Though officially atheist, the Chinese Communist Party has long maintained that Gendun Choekyi Nyima is not the real Panchen Lama. In 1995, in a bid to win the hearts and minds of the Tibetans, the government selected Gyaltsen Norbu as the 11th Panchen Lama. He is reviled by many Tibetans as a fake.

The Dalai Lama and China have repeatedly tussled over who has final authority on the issue of reincarnation.

Tibetans fear that China will use the issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession to split Tibetan Buddhism, with one new Dalai Lama named by exiles and one by the government after his death.

In a policy document on the “Successful Practice of Regional Ethnic Autonomy in Tibet”, the government condemned the Dalai Lama for “plotting towards Tibetan independence”.

The Dalai Lama denies seeking independence, saying he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet, something he calls the Middle Way. Beijing believes that concept is merely a smokescreen for independence.

Chinese troops marched into Tibet in 1950. Activists say China has violently tried to stamp out religious freedom and culture in Tibet. China rejects the criticism, saying its rule has ended serfdom and brought development to a backward region.

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US diplomat asks China to rethink about restrictions on Tibet

B o d - K y i - Cha-Trin

A Voice For Tibet

Dharamshala: -- The India based Tibetan Women’s Association (Central) and RTWA Dharamshala celebrated the 31st Re-founding anniversary at TWA’s new building (hall). The guest of honour for the ocassion was Mrs Rinchen Khando la,the first president of TWA. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo September 13, 2015

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The true nature of religion is kindness: His Holiness

By Jane Cook: September 07, 2015

Dharamshala — At the request of a group of Asian devotees, His Holiness the Dalai Lama began a four-day Buddhist teachings on Monday, on Shantideva’s “A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life.”

Warmly greeting a vast audience of visitors from around the world, as well as local residents, His Holiness led the first of four days of teachings on September 7, in the Main Temple (Tsuklakang) in Dharamshala, North India.

Over 5,000 people across 68 diverse countries including Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam have gathered at the Tibetan temple.

His Holiness would be teaching on Shantideva’s “A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life,” Kamalashila’s “The Middling States of Meditation (gomrim barpa),” Nagarjuna’s “The Precious Garland of the Middle Way (uma rinchen trengwa)” and Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo’s “The Thirty-Seven Practices of Bodhisattvas (laklen sodunma)” His Holiness advised the followers of Tibetan Buddhism to conduct rigorous study of Buddhist texts rather than merely seeking blesses.

“I would like to urge all the people gathered here to consider this teaching as a classroom , where you gather to study and not just a place to get blessings,” His Holiness said.

“Buddhism basically means a proper understanding of the teachings of Lord Buddha, but not merely receiving blessings.

The bliss should come from inside, but not from outside,” His Holiness added. “’Study my teachings and try to understand the meanings, if you find it viable and justified, accept it, otherwise leave it,” His Holiness added, while urging all his dharma friends to be a 21st century Buddhist.

His Holiness also added that the true meaning of religion is training your mind to help deal with happiness and sorrow in one’s life.

His Holiness called for respect among different religious traditions underlining that all major religious traditions emphasize the practice of compassion despite differences in their

His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the teaching venue at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, September 7, 2015. Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu

philosophical points of view.

“The essence of every religion is ‘Compassion,” His Holiness added, saying “Different religions may have different sets of belief but ultimately speak of compassion.”

“We all, on a human level, have seeds of compassion sown inside

Buddhist monk arrested after lone protest in Amdo Ngaba

us from the love and nurture of our mother. Even animals respond fondly towards you if you treat them well,” said the Tibetan leader.

His Holiness emphasized the importance of Secular Ethics and the practice of compassion and sense of oneness of humanity for the non-believers.

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China’s 50 year rule is the darkest age in the history of Tibet: TYC

TYC Executives VP Tamdin Hrichoe, Finance Secretary Tenzin Wangchuk and Information/International Relations Secretary Tsewang Dolma are taking part in this campaign. Photo: TYC

By Yangchen Dolma: September 05, 2015

Undated image of Lobsang Kalsang, 19-year-old from Kirti Monastery in Amdo Ngaba, Tibet. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: September 07, 2015

TWA celebrates the 31st Re-founding anniversary

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Dharamshala — Sources coming out of Tibet say a Tibetan Buddhist monk was reportedly arrested by Chinese authorities in Ngaba County following a peaceful protest against the Chinese government rule.

The monk, Lobsang Kalsang, 19-year-old from Kirti Monastery, marched into the streets of Ngaba County of Amdo, north-eastern Tibet, calling for “freedom for Tibetans”, “the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet” and raised slogans for his long life.

“The monk staged a lone protest around 3:4 pm (local time) on September 7 on the County’s main street. His conditions remain unknown,” Ven Kanyak Tsering, from India based Kirti Monastery told The Tibet Post International.

A video footage also shows the Tibetan monk, staging a solo protest on a street in Ngaba county on Monday.

“A group of Chinese security personnel arrived at the scene barely a few minutes into his protest and arrested him arbitrarily. The crowd of Tibetans who had gathered around the streets and in front a police station expressed their solidarity when he was detained,” a source was

quoted as saying.

Lobsang Kalsang, a native of village no. 2 of Meruma town, Ngaba County in Amdho Region of northeastern Tibet Tibet (Ch: Aba County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the north-west of Sichuan Province).

According to the sources, Kalsang became monk at a young age at Kirti Monastery where he studied Buddhist philosophy and culture, and Tibetan language. “Kalsang is a son of Tsering Tenkho and Lhakyi,” Ven Tsering said, adding that “he has three brothers and sisters.”

In addition, Chinese police have also detained a lay Tibetan for unknown charges, sources said “further details are not available,” he added.

Losang Tenpa, 21, his maternal sibling and roommate at Kirti Monastery, is currently serving a two-year sentence for “separatist activities,” Ven Tsering said.

He was sentenced on Novewmber 7, 2014, along with another Kirti monk, Lobsang Gyatso, 20, for separatist activities. Gyatso was arrested from his monastery and sentenced to serve three years in prison.

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New Delhi — The India based Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) condemns the recent celebrations by the Chinese Communist party’s 50 years of Tibet Autonomous region, saying “This is 50 years of colonization and a celebration like this is uncalled for when 143 Tibetans have self immolated inside Tibet protesting China’s policies.”

The TYC said “It is clear that this was really an orchestrated event to send a hyped message since well respected international media outlets were not allowed to travel to Tibet to cover the event.”

In a recent report, the Chinese Communist government has claimed that this is the Golden Age for Tibet. “Since the illegal occupation and invasion of Tibet over 1.2 million Tibetans have a died,” said the youth group.

The group said that “over 6000 monasteries have been destroyed, thousands of Tibetan families have been displaced, organized oppression and repression and discrimination continues.”

“Since 2009. 143 Tibetans have set themselves on fire protesting China’s hardline polices inside Tibet. This is certainly not the Golden Age but is the Darkest Age in the history of Tibet and there is nothing to celebrate,” said TYC President Tenzing Jigme.

In response to China’s propaganda and in order to create awareness about the critical situation in Tibet, the organisation said it will initiate a “Indefinite Hunger Strike” in New Delhi, India’s capital from September 10, to support the “demands and aspirations of the self-immolators”; and to show solidarity with Tibetans inside Tibet.

“This campaign is aimed at the United Nations who we believe must act immediately and hold China responsible for their actions in Tibet,” it added.

The largest Tibetan non-governmental organisation in exile calls upon the United Nations and and governments of the world to urge China to “give evidence that the 11th Panchen Lama Gendun Choekyi Nyima is alive,” send “a fact finding UN delegation to assess the current critical situation in Tibet” and ask “China to release all political prisoners.”

OPINION 2 TPI NEWS The door is open to everybody: 10th Session of 15th Tibetan Parliament Begins TPI interview with Sikyong The Tibet Post International

September 15, 2015

By Yangchen Dolma: September 15, 2015

Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, the democratically elected political leader of the Tibetan people. Photo: TPI/Yeshe Choesang Molly Lortie: September 11, 2015

Dharamshala — “As Sikyong, I open my doors to everybody. I don’t think anyone should say that I didn’t get to see the Sikyong because of ideological reasons,” said Dr Lobsang Sangay, Tibet’s democratically elected political leader during an Exclusive Interview with the Tibet Post International (TPI). Dr Sangay, the current Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration, will complete its five-year term in April 2016.

1) In the past four years during your tenure as Sikyong, what were some of your most memorable moments?

The day of my inauguration, His Holiness kindly graced the occasion and he said a memorable line.

Sikyong Tara Rinpoche bestowed the political power to him when he was young, and today he is transferring that power to Sikyong Lobsang Sangay. That he said is long cherishable. And the elections. And the first few months, lots of anxiousness, traveling, meetings, it’s a new position and it’s a political position. So it’s hard to know how people will respond, how people will react. And now, hectic travels, but we have made contacts, so those are good.

So traveling-wise I have visited all the settlements, all the schools almost all elder homes. Literally I’ve been to almost all elder homes, shook hands with every elder in the room, been to every school, to spend time with children to tell them my story, to encourage them, inspire them. So over the past five years, since the elections until now, the public response has been very positive. Everywhere I’ve been people show up in large numbers; the airport, train station, or public gatherings, rallies, places like that, so that’s been a bit gratifying; you work hard, people will support you.

2) You just had a three day conference on education where you spoke about the need for parent intervention and support. Could you elaborate a little more on the priority for education and the efforts CTA has taken during your term?

This was the first ever parents’ meeting, so it’s a long speech. If you google that you’ll find a lot of speeches, because education is the number one priority. And we have invested a lot. The results can even be found in the class 12 results. 127 students getting 75% above four years ago, last year 321, this year 443. That’s a 250% increase.

Scholarship has increased from 9 million rupees ten years ago, to 40 million rupees now a days. So we have found that almost 84% of teachers and staff members didn’t have training, within the last 5 years, so in the next 18-24 months everybody will get workshop trainings, NCerts, everything. So we’re investing quite a lot of energy and resources in education, and it’s getting some results.

3) Could you tell me a little bit more on the challenges you’ve had to overcome? Do you have any unfulfilled efforts or regrets?

First, I think is this: When His Holiness the Dalai Lama announced he was devolving his power there was a lot of anxiousness and anxiety which kept people very nervous. But as you can see, over the past 4 years it has stabilized, everything has calmed down a lot. People say ok we can do this, we can take responsibility. That I think is the greatest collective achievement, because 400 years of the institution of Dalai Lama changed. It’s a major shift in Tibetan history.

To make a smooth transition is the greatest – not mine—collective achievement. Unfulfillment, yes. Because I still meet some poor people, some divorces, a husband and many wives, maybe the husband has passed away or left them, there are two or three kids. And they come to me, and I try to help them, send their son to school here, or to college with a scholarship. We do the best we can to

help them. So seeing those people is quite painful.

My family is also from a humble background.

I always put myself in their shoes, I can visualize it clearly. Had my father passed away early my mother would have suffered, and if they don’t give any help to my mother, I would be in deep trouble.

So we always do the best that we can. Still I meet people and this is tragedy, tragedy. Death happens, sickness happens. But we have to confront it. And often when they come to me it’s almost like their last solution, this is it. If I can’t solve it, then what?

So, these are still there. And ya know lots of people send me messages through Facebook and I wish I could respond to all of them, respond on time. So those are still there. Still lots of things to improve education upon. I’m never satisfied.

4) In terms of Tibetan women, what efforts are the CTA taking to help the progress of women?

Our society was a patriarchal society in Tibet. There was discrimination, there is no denying that. When we came to exile initially, we were patriarchal.

However that has evolved over time, for the better.

For example in high school there are more girls than boys, more girls graduating from class 12 than boys. Pass percentage, girls are better, going to college girls are better. Especially graduate.

Almost 55%-45%, I think. Education wise, girls get more scholarships, proportionately there are more. In terms of staff members—new recruits – there are more or equal number of women joining CTA. But unfortunately its seniority—senior level, in terms of bureaucracy, who gets promoted based on seniority, there are very few women. They have to work longer.

Then they become additional secretaries’ secretaries. Now we have a few additional secretaries, several joint secretaries, many under secretaries. As they get into seniority there will be more women. In the Kashag, I appointed two women. Not because they are women, but because they are capable. They are handling two of the largest departments: International relations, both largest in funds and staff; and home, large due to the large number of settlements she has to run. So we’re doing the best we can. Now there is also the mother child project. Before, it was 45 days maternity leave, now it’s three months.

We have made it universal. Also the after school programs and things like that, so we have made some improvements. These days there is no discrimination, anyone can join CTA, education wise they are doing better.

5) What about in terms of health benefits?

Of course. As soon as you give birth, you are given certain amount of money, milk, things like that. The mother child program is a big part of the department.

6) Your manifesto stated ‘Innovation, Unity and Self Reliance’ as the vision for your four year tenure as the Sikyong. What were the practical implications and the noticeable achievements that you saw in the community?

As Sikyong, I open my doors to everybody. SFT, National Democratic Party, Women’s Association, they bring their groups here, if they want to come, to bring students, I say come. When I say unity I don’t distinguish between what my ideological stance and their ideological stance, we can have a good debate. The door is open to anyone. I don’t think anyone should say that I didn’t get to see the Sikyong because of ideological reasons.

Innovation for example, Tibet Corps. We have extended opportunities for Tibetan youth around the world, including in India, people with skills to come and work with CTA for 3-6 months to a year. We provide a stipend, everything. They get exposure to CTA, they go back enriched, become better ambassadors. And then as I told you education being number one priority, we increased

Dharamshala — The 10th and the final session of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile began on Tuesday, in Dharamshala, India. The first day members discussed a number of issues including the critical situation inside Tibet, alleviate the sufferings of the Tibetan people and the recently issued white paper on Tibet.

In his opening address, Mr Penpa Tsering, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament, spoke about the critical situation inside Tibet under the repressive policies of the Chinese government.

Mr Tsering said the Tibetan Parliament remains concerned about the deteriorating political and human rights situation inside Tibet and urged for a quick resolution of the Tibet issue.

He also spoke about the social and political developments taking place inside Mainland China fueled by the country’s rapid economic growth.

He urged Tibetans to analyse these developments inside China to make better use of the opportunities provided by such circumstances. the scholarships. In a way that’s our biggest contribution. The youth are our future leaders, and they ought to get good education. RC renewal— 5 years. It has made their lives a lot easier.

Through high school they had to go to the police station every year to renew. Now, it has become very convenient, even for college kids. Now they have 5 years. They can go to college for 3 years, masters degree and then come to renew. We have made it convenient. Now we have launched an entrepreneurship program so we are giving them incubation, pre-incubation training, loans to run a business. This is open mainly to the youth. So this and the computer training, lots of skills. In fact we have one program, if you go we give any data feeding, skills and funds to run your own business.

So for unemployed youth, we are giving them training and skills.

And then obviously, self-reliance. Once you get a high school degree, you stand on your own two feet and you get job. Professional degree you earn better, you become a better leader. Education is number one, our foundation. On top we are launching this big entrepreneurship program.

So now we want to help those who want to do business. When we say self-reliance we simply don’t only mean career, also cost. Culturally we have to self-rely, realistically we have to selfrely, politically we have to self-rely, socially we have to self-rely. Hence, how we reach out to our neighbors, local Indian communities, local villages, make friends, that way we are approaching all aspects of Tibetan life.

7) During your four years, what is the progress made in the China-Tibet talk? How possible is a return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama?

In terms of possible dialogue with China, at the highest level, in 2011 the White House released a press statement after President Obama met with His Holiness, applauding the Middle Way Approach; they applauded, they supported. Just recently Donald Tusk European Council President told Chinese premier Xi Jinping in the press conference that through dialogue they have to solve the issue of Tibet.

And the foreign minister of the European Union went to China, met her counterpart and told them also. So you can clearly see the level of support for the Middle Way and for resolution through dialogue. As far as the return of His Holiness, if you look as far back as the ‘87, ‘89 protests in Tibet, the universal slogan has been we want to see the return of His Holiness.

142 self immolators. It’s the common aspirations of all Tibetans. So I say the same thing. The return of His Holiness is our universal and main objective.

And if you don’t say it, if you don’t believe it, then you are not being a leader. It has to remain our aspiration. I said it before, I say it now, I will keep saying it. It should remain our ultimate goal.

And then as far as dialogue, there are a lot of things that keep happening, before it was dialogue with envoys, now it is dialogue without envoys.

So all that is going on, efforts are being made. But then it’s just that dialogue is such that we would share, and we should not share. It’s very delicate and sensitive. Otherwise I don’t think there’s any lack of effort on our part. As long as His Holiness is there, efforts will be there. So now there is no lack of efforts.

His election in 2011 marked Dr Sangay as Tibet’s first democratically elected Sikyong, and Dr Sangay supporters recently have helped to collect a “10 outstanding accomplishments” achieved under his leadership. His supporters request the Tibetan people across the globe to re-elect Dr Sangay, outstanding leader, eminent scholar, and dedicated Tibetan.

The 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile opens its tenth session with the day dedicated to discussing the critical situation in Tibet, in Dharamshala, India, on September 15, 2013. Photo: TPI/Choney Sangpo

The house also has hornored the Tibetans inside who extend remarkable remarkable sacrifices for the benefit of Tibet’s culture, religion, environment and social welfare.

The first day of the Tibetan Parliament also unanimously passed five resolutions: one resolution of solidarity with the sufferings of the Tibetans inside Tibet.

The house also passed another resolution, mourning and homage each for the Tibetan self-immolators, late Kasur Richen Dhondup Sadhutsang, late

Gadong Tenzin Wangdak, former civil servant and official medium; and late Dr A.P.J Abdul Kalam, former president of India.

The 6th Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Tibetan Parliament is also slated to present its annual report on the first day of the 10th session.

The departments of the Central Tibetan Administration will present their work reports for the year 2015-2016 during this session.The session will last until September, 25.

My family has been closely associated with Tibetans: Maneka

By The Statesman: September 3, 2015

“My family has been closely associated with the Tibetan movement since you (Tibetans) came here and we continue, my son and I, this tradition of being closely involved with the Tibetan people,” she said at a function to mark the 55th anniversary of the Tibetan Democracy Day.The Minister for Women & Child Development commended the Tibetan spirit to uphold the tradition and culture even in exile and urged them to continue their efforts.

“We know the struggle will be long and hard and we in India appreciate your bravery and today we celebrate the gift by His Holiness (the Dalai Lama).

The true nature ... ... continued from front page

“It is our collective duty to promote Secular Ethics.

I urge all the people gathered here to practice the same upon their return to their respective countries,” the spiritual leader said.

There are seven billion people in the world, one billion are non-believers, there are also people who remain neutral and opposed to religion.

His Holiness said that “India’s secular tradition respects all religious traditions and even for those who have no faith.”

“The true nature of religion is kindness, over time this will save us from suffering and fear,” the spiritual leader said.

Because from “Dharma” teachings, compassion and love can prevent and treat inner unhappiness.

Nobody opposes compassion and love,” His Holiness further added.

“Talking about the global financial situation,” His Holiness said “the recent fall in Chinese stocks shook the world. It is reality that everything happening in this universe is intimately interdependent on each other.”

“Under the circumstances, a sense of ‘our welfare’ and ‘your welfare’, never established without cause and effect. Therefore, secular ethics is very essential.”

“Your ?fellow countrymen and women, whether believers or non-believers have a need for a sense of belonging to one humanity and a compassionate approach,” His Holiness told the gathering, saying its “extremely important,” as well as everyones “responsibility.”

The Southeast Asian guests certainly seemed impressed, having been treated to a typical Tibetan breakfast with butter tea. The second in the series of three teachings continue for the next three days in the main temple, for which the visitors will certainly be eagerly anticipating.

A live webcast, in English, Chinese, Tibetan and Russian languages as well as a video link to the teachings, is available on: http://dalailama.com/liveweb

Maneka. Photo: Media File

I assure you that we will see that your stay in India and association with us will be a happy one,” she said.

Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay, in his address, acknowledged the resolution passed

by US Senate recognising the Central Tibetan Administration and hoped that the Indian Parliament also does the same.

“The US Senate has passed two resolutions celebrating and recognising the Central Tibetan Administration and also the Tibetan democracy and the Sikyong. I hope that the members of the Indian parliament will have similar resolutions,” he said.

Speaker of Tibetan Parliament Penpa Tsering in his statement condemned Chinese atrocities, he said, “This year alone there have been seven such cases.

I therefore urge the UN, United Nation Human Rights Council and countries that love democracy, justice and freedom to bring emphatic pressure on the government of China.”

Kangra MP Shanta Kumar of BJP and other Indian dignitaries were present at the Tsug-la Khang, the main Tibetan temple where thousands of Tibetans gathered to take part in the celebrations of the 55th anniversary of the Tibetan Democracy Day. The gathering appreciated the cultural performances by students and residents.

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“Tenpa was arrested when he was 19, after his peaceful protest on April 26, 2015, wearing a bandana with a hand-drawn snow-lion flag of Tibet and carrying a large portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In 2008, his maternal uncles, Shangwo Tsedak and Choephel, were sentenced to six and fours years of imprisonment respectively.

Kirti Monastery has been the scene of repeated self-immolations and other protests by monks, former monks, and nuns opposed to Chinese rule.

The Ngaba area has been under military lockdown since major protests were held in the area following the spread of protests across the Tibetan plateau beginning in March, 2008.

The Tibet Post International

TPI NEWS

Tibet News

September 15, 2015

3

Sikyong: World is taking note of Tibetan democracy in exile Speaker lauds His Holiness’ efforts

Tibetan political leader Dr Lobsang Sangay speaks during celebration of the 55th anniversary of the 55th Tibetan Democracy Day, at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, on September 2, 2015. Photo: TPI/ Dawa Phurbu

By Yangchen Choesang: September 03, 2015

Dharamshala — Our resolve for democracy should be a clear message of our democratic spirit of free will to international community and China, Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said when thousands of Tibetans in Dharamshala came out to celebrate the 55th Tibetan Democracy Day. Sikyong called His Holiness “the Great 14th Dalai Lama, the Tibet’s most revered leader,” and praised him for “his conscientiously pioneering and tirelessly steering a democratic system for the well-being of Tibetan people.”

“Our existing democratic policy, admired and recognized by many non-Tibetans, is not an outcome of people having fought or sacrificed for it; rather it is a precious gift from His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama. This is undoubtedly one of the legacies of His Holiness to which the Tibetan people should remain eternally grateful,” Sikyong said in his statement.

Extolling the contributions made by His Holiness, Sikyong said “the US Senate Resolution #200 states that it recognizes “the Dalai Lama for a lifelong commitment and outstanding contribution to the promotion of non-violence, human rights, religious tolerance, environmental awareness, and democracy”.

“Fifty-five years ago, on this day, the first elected Tibetan people’s representatives took their oath of office not long after the great-oath (Na-gyen Chenmo) taking event of BodhGaya. Since then this historic date came to be celebrated as the Tibetan Democracy Day. Few years later, representatives of Tibetan women were first elected in 1963 and representatives of Bon religion were elected in 1977,” the statement said.

Speaking on the development of Tibetan democracy in exile, Sikyong said “The Constitution of Tibet promulgated by His Holiness the Great 14th Dalai Lama in 1963 contained provisions allowing his own impeachment which was against the wishes of the Tibetan people. In 1991, the Charter of the Tibetan People adopted by the Tibetan Parliament and enacted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama came into force.”

“The Charter provided enlargement of the Tibetan Parliament with powers to elect members of the Kashag after nomination of candidates by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In 1992, the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission was formed, thereby completing the establishment of three pillars of democracy,” while “members of Local Tibetan Assemblies and settlement officers are elected by the people in the Tibetan settlements.”

“The first direct election of Kalon Tripa, executive head of Central Tibetan Administration, was successfully achieved after the amendment of the Charter in 2001. A decade later His Holiness the Dalai Lama made an unprecedented and a historic change with announcement of devolution of his political powers,” it added.

“After transferring all his political authority to the elected leader or Sikyong, His Holiness the Dalai Lama declared on August 08, 2011, the fulfillment of ‘ long cherished goal’ of bringing democracy to the Tibetan people.”

He said “this major transition could have been tumultuous and it was without a doubt a test for all of us. But contrary to initial anxiety, the transition remained smooth mainly due to the strong support and faith reposed by the Tibetan people in the democratic system. Practicing democracy in exile has shown that Buddhism is compatible with democracy, as is all major

religious traditions.”

“National elections to be held in two Buddhist countries such as Burma and Taiwan on November 08, 2015 and January 16, 2016 respectively clearly shows that democratic system is generally liked and accepted by people everywhere irrespective of the circumstances and political conditions prevailing in their countries,” he added, saying “Democracy therefore is universal without being culture specific or development specific.”

Dr Sangay went on to talk about the upcoming Tibetan elections specifically, saying “the Tibetan people will once again participate in the election of Sikyong and members of the Tibetan Parliament in exile. The dates determined for the preliminary and final election are October 18, 2015 and March 20, 2016 respectively.”

“It is important for every eligible Tibetan voter to follow and take part in the election process,” he reminded followers, adding: “Due consideration should be given to the existing political situation inside Tibet, conditions in exile and the larger aspirations of the Tibetan people when electing capable leaders.”

Sikyong also urges each and every candidate standing for election and their supporters to uphold traditional moral and ethical values while engaging in the election processes.

“Our resolve for democracy should be a clear message of our democratic spirit of free will to international community and China. Our brethren in Tibet will doubtlessly derive strength from the robust participation and decisive outcome.

“It is truly heartening that the world is taking note of Tibetan democracy in exile. The Sikyong election four years ago not only received good media coverage, it got featured in government statements,’ Dr Sangay said: “More specifically, it got mentioned in the US Senate Resolution # 356.”

The Tibetan political leader then added: “In

regards to the upcoming Tibetan election, the US House Resolution # 337 of July 8, 2015 clearly calls on the US Government “to recognize and increase global public awareness and monitoring of the upcoming election process through which the Tibetan people in exile will choose the next democratically elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, the Sikyong.”

For the 14th Kashag (Cabinet), Sikyong said this is the 5th democracy day since assuming executive responsibility of the Tibetan Administration. “Over the years, democracy in exile has become more mature and public discourse more substantive,” he proudly said: “We can say with confidence that democracy will only grow and become stronger in the near future. Democracy is here to stay and through the system, the Tibet movement is bound to succeed and sustain itself.”

“Our objective of alleviating the sufferings of Tibetan people inside Tibet remains unchanged,” the statement said, while highlighting the current critical situation prevailing inside Tibet. “Although Runggye Adak and few other political prisoners were released, there are many others still languishing in Chinese prisons.”

“The recent death of Trulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche in Chinese prison signals continuing hard line policy of the Chinese government.

There are reports that China is going to observe the 50th anniversary of the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region which will be attended

by Beijing’s top leaders. However, judging the ground reality of Tibet there is no cause for celebration. The Tibetan people’s aspirations and the wishes of 142 self-immolators remain unfulfilled.”

The statement stated that “It is hoped that the Chinese government led by Xi Jinping will soon realize that dialogue is the only viable solution for a peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet.”

“Our approach and its practicality of benefitting both the party has generated appreciation and support from around the world,” Sikyong said when reiterating its commitment to the “Middle Way Approach.

“The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs has called for dialogue between the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and representatives of Chinese government during her visit to Beijing in May 2015,” Sikyong said.

“Similarly, Mr Donald Tusk, President of the European Council has urged China on June 29, 2015 to restart dialogue with envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” Dr Sangay said.

Speaking at a press conference with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Brussels, Tusk said, “I expressed our concerns for freedom of expression and association in China including people belonging to minorities, including Tibetans and Uighurs. In that context, I have urged China to restart a meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama’s representative.”

to build Tibetan Democracy

Speaker of Tibetan Parliament in exile Penpa Tsering speaks during celebration of the 55th anniversary of the 55th Tibetan Democracy Day, at the main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala, on September 2, 2015.

Photo: TPI/Dawa Phurbu

By Molly Lortie: September 03, 2015

Dharamshala — On the occasion of Tibet’s Democracy Day, Tibetans gathered at the main temple of Dharamshala to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Tibetan democracy. On the occasion, Speaker of Tibetan Parliament, Penpa Tsering, addressed the crowd of over one thousand on behalf of the Tibetan Parliament.

After welcoming the audience, Speaker Penpa Tsering acknowledged His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s profound and unceasing support of democracy, explaining, “...after escaping into exile in India, His Holiness gave full play to his original plans, including in the matter of the election of the deputies to a Tibetan parliament in exile capable of fully representing Tibetans both in Tibet and in exile, as well as in the matter of establishing the principal and branch offices and institutions of an administration in exile. And gradually, over the years, His Holiness guided the Tibetan people towards the realization of genuine democracy which is comparable to the systems prevailing in the progressive modern democratic countries of the world.”

“The democratic system of government is a result of the historical evolution of the human civilization. Its culmination is marked by a society in which everyone is viewed as equal, without any discrimination based on one’s position, wealth, gender, race, and so on. It is recognized as one of the best systems of government in the world today. But unlike in the cases of the people in the numerous democratic countries of the world today, where the general masses of people had to undergo turbulences of uprisings and bitter struggles to finally realize their dreams in the courses of their historical evolution, the Tibetan people did not have to experience these painful transitions towards this noble system of government. Rather than having to stage an uprising or to carry on a bitter struggle, and

CTA: Make Tibet a true ‘golden age’by fulfilling Tibetans’aspirations

By Yangchen Choesang: September 03, 2015

Dharamshala — In response to the latest white paper regarding Tibet issued by the Chinese Communist Party on September 6, the India based Tibetan government has released a statement saying ‘China’s claim of successful implementation of Regional Autonomy in Tibet falls short of ground reality.’

“On September 6, the Peoples Republic of China’s government issued yet another white paper on so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (which does not include all areas of the traditional Tibet), the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said in a statement.

The white paper comes in the run up to the “celebration of the 50th anniversary of the so-called Tibet Autonomous region” claiming Tibet has entered its “golden age” citing numerous questionable statistics, the CTA said.

The statement added that “Such report in addition to presenting a distorted interpretation of Sino-Tibetan relations is a vain attempt to whitewash its repressive occupation so long as independent journalists and rights groups are not given free access to Tibetan areas to judge for themselves.”

“Contrary to Chinese claims, the ground reality offers a drastically different situation with a complete lockdown and extreme security measures taken to orchestrate the anniversary

Self-Immolation protects in Tibet, from August 30 to September 1, 2014. Photo: Tibet Museum

celebration in Lhasa,” it said.

“In addition to massive deployment of security personnel, on 11th August 2015, the Chinese government issued another circular directing all postal departments to intercept all communications to and from so-called ‘TAR’ within 20 August to 5 September,” The CTA said “Despite the infrastructural investments and various socio-cultural projects cited in the latest paper,” the statement said “the fact remains that Tibetans are not free to fully exercise their rights, religious and otherwise.”

“For example, movements by Tibetans,

within the Tibetan plateau, are more than ever restricted with endless requirements for permits; monasteries are run by the Communist Party, nomads are forcefully removed from their traditional pasture, mining and dam building projects are carried out without local consultation and participation.

Since 2009, at least 142 Tibetans are known to have self-immolated as an act of protest against Beijing’s misrule in Tibetan areas. The latest one being, Tashi Kyi, a mother of five from Labrang (Eastern Tibet) who set herself on fire on 28 August 2015.”

It added that “the Central Chinese government’s genuine concern for the welfare and happiness of the Tibetan people is questionable so long as it does not fulfil their aspirations for freedom and the return of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to his homeland. This, for the Tibetan people, will truly be a ‘golden age’.”

The CTA “has reiterated the Middle Way Approach as a viable solution through its response to China’s white paper,” the statement further added.

However more fundamental questions remain unanswered, and increasingly unasked, if the Tibetans in Tibet really have such a new good story to tell, why doesn’t the Chinese government let them freely tell it and why doesn’t the world media and international fact-finding delegations let in and see it by themselves.

so on under a historical process of evolution, democracy came to the Tibetan people as a gift from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.”

“Perceiving numerous purposes and benefits, His Holiness, with elation and out of affection for the Tibetan people, transferred his entire political powers to the leadership directly elected by them, thereby ending the nearly 400-year-old Ganden Phodang system of government headed by successive Dalai Lamas since the time of the Great Fifth. He thereby ensured the future sustainability on a firm foundation of the substance of the Tibetan movement embodied by the Central Tibetan Administration in exile for as long as their just cause remains unresolved. This is therefore a historic milestone in the evolution of Tibetan democracy addressing the core of the issues facing the Tibetan movement.”

The Speaker went on to discuss the responsibilities, concerns and affairs of the current administration, adding that it is constantly flourishing and strengthening “thanks to the blessings emanating from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s and as a result of the combined efforts of both the exiled Tibetan leadership and people.”

He also went on to address the Tibetan public, urging that the sustainability of Tibetan democracy is the responsibility of the Tibetan people, even those who have immigrated to western countries. “This kind of opportunity to elect the Sikyong and the Members of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile comes but only once every five years. In an administrative system such as ours, which is based on democratic values, it is a vital duty of the public to take active part in these election processes.

And it is of utmost importance that everyone gets himself or herself registered as a voter and actually vote during the elections.”

The Speaker then shifted to address those Tibetans still within Tibet, laying out the juxtaposition between China’s September 1st, 2015, a day they celebrated as the establishment of the so-called Tibetan Autonomous Region, and the Tibetan community in exile’s September 2nd celebration of Democracy Day, marking the anniversary of their democratic freedom, only possible after escaping into exile.

He acknowledged such cases as the disappearance of the Panchen Lama, the recent death of Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, the to-date 142 self immolations, and the unjust detainment and torture of so many other Tibetans, asserting that now more than ever it is time to support the Tibetan cause.

In his closing statement for the day, Speaker Penpa Tsering added, “The gratitude the Tibetan people owe to the government and people of India for their past and continuing help is beyond defining in words and are certainly impossible to forget. At this official function in Dharamshala to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the democratic system of the Central Tibetan Administration too, a group of Members of the Indian Parliament who support the Tibetan cause are taking part in order to show their strong support for the Tibetan cause. I take this opportunity to express immense gratitude to them all.

“Finally, I pray that His Holiness the Dalai Lama, whose selfless sense of caring towards all sentient beings is boundless and whose leadership of the world in general and especially towards all Tibetans both in Tibet and in exile is unparalleled, live for a hundred aeons, and that the just cause of the Tibetan people prevail with utmost speediness.”

4

TPI NEWS

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TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Get involved in jobs that require creative input. You can win points with both peers and superiors. After all, they may have valuable information to pass on.

For now just do the best you can. Your partner’s a little jumpy. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You need adventure and excitement in your life. Don’t be too quick to judge others. Helping children may be rewarding and challenging. Fitness or weight loss pro grams will help your self esteem. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Confusion at an emotional level will cause you to make wrong decisions concerning your personal life. You will have the getup and go to con tribute a great deal to groups of interest. Regardless of your first reaction, the outcome will be favorable. You will be able to work in fine detail and present the best possible proposal. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You will be able to get to the bottom of things this month. You will be in the mood to socialize. Drastic financial losses may be likely if you lend money.

Compromise if you have to, to avoid verbal battles.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Make sure that you have all the pertinent facts before taking action. You may find yourself in an uncomfortable situation if you have overloaded your plate unintentionally. You will not be able to contain your emotions this month. You will have some problems with children, but if you are patient you will win their favor. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) Feeling under the weather may be a result of overindulgence. Think twice before you pursue an unrealistic endeavor. Do something together and you’ll be surprised how sweet a deal you can make.

Avoid friction with your mate. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You will get along well in social situations. Look into making changes to your personal papers and don’t neglect those bills that have been piling up. A trip to visit relatives should be rewarding. Mishaps due to preoccupation will be upsetting. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Go directly to the source if you want to know exactly what’s been going on. Try to mix business with pleasure while traveling. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities that exist. You will be overly sensitive when dealing with your personal life. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Pamper yourself; the self esteem it brings you will be most gratifying. You are best to sit back and think it through, rather than add to the ranting and raving.

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VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You should be able to get a lot done. You can make money if you concentrate on producing services that will make domestic chores easier. Don’t promise to deliver the goods if you aren’t positive that you can meet the deadline. You’ll find it difficult to control your emotions. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Just be yourself. You must deal with an emotional problem with your loved one that you have been avoiding for some time now. You are in a high energy, get it all done, mood and you’ll have little patience with those who are slacking off. Financial gains can be made through wise investments. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

September 15, 2015 INTIBET NEWS 5 Two monks arrested in Ngaba county for demanding freedom China detains another monk

TPI NEWS

The Tibet Post International

Undated images of Adak and Lobsang, both currently in Chinese police custody. Photo: TPI

By Yeshe Choesang: September 11, 2015

Dharamshala — Chinese police in restive Ngaba County of north-eastern Tibet have detained two Tibetan monks after staging peaceful

protests against the Chinese government rule.

They have called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland and freedom for Tibet before the police arrived.

50-yrs rule with iron fist, China claims occupied Tibet is in “golden age”

By Yeshe Choesang: September 09 , 2015

Dharamshala — China held a mass ceremony in occupied Tibet to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)— in its latest politicized white paper, the communist regime said “Tibet is now in its golden age.”

State run television showed officials who addressed the invited audience pledging to defeat what they claimed were repeated attempts by the exiled Tibetans led by the Dalai Lama, to split Tibet from China.

On a specially erected stage in a square beneath His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s former residence, the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, Chinese politburo member Yu Zhengsheng praised the creation of what he called a “vibrant socialist new Tibet” since the TAR was founded in 1965.

The ceremony, which was followed by a parade through the capital, comes against a backdrop of tension in Tibet, with more than 130 Tibetan Buddhist monks, nuns and ordinary Tibetans reported to have set themselves on fire since 2009, in protest at Chinese rule and what they say are repressions and restrictions on their culture and religion, including the imposition of political study sessions in monasteries.

However, Yu Zhengsheng told an invited audience consisting of several thousand people in traditional Tibetan dress, and a large number of soldiers -- but apparently few monks -- that Tibet had been transformed from a backward society over the past half century.

He stressed that GDP had grown 68-fold during that period, and said that freedom of religious belief in the mainly Buddhist region had “been fully respected and protected in Tibet over the past 50 years,” state media reported.

The officials did not make any reference to the deadly Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, when historians say 1.2 million Tibetans were killed and monasteries were completely destroyed --remaining of them heavily damaged -- and monks jailed, nor to what international human rights groups say are “restrictions” on the practice and teaching of Buddhism in contemporary Tibet.

But Yu did touch on current tensions, referring to an ongoing “struggle against separatism ...

and foreign hostile forces’ splittist and sabotage activities.” State media also reported that he had earlier urged Tibet’s army, police and judiciary to be ready to “fight a protracted battle against “the clique of the 14th Dalai Lama.”

In an apparent attempt to appease criticisms, Yu said that “religious affairs should be managed according to law” and problems should be addressed through “legal thinking and judicial means.” But he made it clear who was in charge, saying that “only by sticking to the Communist Party’s leadership” and the current administrative arrangements could Tibetans “be their own master.”

The ceremony, which follows another white paper on Tibet, setting out government plans to modernize the region’s economy, comes amid renewed tension between Beijing and Dharamshala. China has repeatedly refused to hold talks with the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who says he does not seek “independence” from China, but only “genuine autonomy.” However, Beijing has accused him of being a separatist.

Tibet is “now in its golden age,” according to a Chinese government paper released ahead of the 50th anniversary of the autonomous region’s foundation.

Tibetan people fulfill the right to participate equally in the management of state affairs, China’s State Council Information Office said in an eight-chapter white paper released by the official Xinhua News Agency on September 6.

The people are managers of local social affairs and masters of their own destiny, creating and sharing the material and spiritual wealth of Tibet, according to Xinhua.

But Tibetans say monks are persecuted and their religion repressed, traditional customs are attacked, and their opportunities for employment are limited. Furthermore, they say, Tibet’s natural environment has been severely degraded by government projects, and the regime has introduced Party education and indoctrination in Tibetan schools.

Chinese authorities have also encouraged the immigration of Chinese, which Tibetans complain has the effect of limiting their living space with colonial ideology of domination— disenfranchising them in their own homeland.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, delivers a speech at a ceremony in Lhasa, September 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

The two were detained separately in Ngaba county in Amdo region of northeastern Tibet, (Ch: Aba County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the north-west of Sichuan Province), .

“Adak, 20-year old took to the street of Ngaba town, on Friday morning, September 10 and shouted slogans calling for “His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet” and “freedom in Tibet.”

“Chinese police arrived at the scene and arrested him,” Kanyak Tsering and Lobsang Yeshe from India based Kirti monastery told the Tibet Post International (TPI).

The another monk, Lobsang , 22, also from Kirti Monastery, marched into the streets of Ngaba County, calling for “freedom in Tibet”, and “the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet.”

“Lobsang staged a lone protest around 6:0 pm (local time) on September 10 on the County’s main street. His conditions remain unknown,” Ven Tsering told the TPI. Sources said “a group of laypersons staged protests in the main streets of Ngaba County on Thursday afternoon, against Chinese government’s policy of occupation and oppression. But the details, including their names are still unknown”.

“Four monks from Kirti monastery have been arbitrarily arrested in this week following their peaceful protests against the Chinese government rule, although their precise whereabouts and present condition remain unknown,” TPI sources said, citing contacts in the region.

Following their arrests this week, the Chinese security forces have now intensified their control and restriction of Ngaba county, sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Kirti Monastery has been the scene of repeated self-immolations and other protests by monks, former monks, and nuns opposed to Chinese rule.

The Ngaba area has been under military lockdown since major protests were held in the area following the spread of protests across the Tibetan plateau beginning in March, 2008.

after calling for freedom

By Yeshe Choesang: September 09 , 2015

Dharamshala — Sources coming out of Tibet say another Tibetan Buddhist monk was detained by Chinese authorities in Ngaba County, eastern Tibet for staging peaceful protest against the Chinese government rule and shouting slogans calling for freedom in Tibet.

“Jampal Gyatso, aged about 21, took to the main street of Ngaba town, carrying a portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” and shouted slogans calling for “freedom for Tibetans.” Chinese authorities arrived at the scene within minutes and arrested him.

“Gyatso was arrested after he staged a solo demonstration against the Chinese government around 12:00 am on September 9,” Ven Kanyag Tsering, a monk with close contacts in the Tibetan region, told the Tibet Post International (TPI).

In a brief video footage received by the TPI from inside Tibet, Gyatso is seen walking along the streets of Ngaba County town, holding aloft a huge portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, hurled prayer flags into the air and raising slogans

for “freedom in Tibet”.

“Gyatso, a native of village no. 3 of Meruma town, Ngaba County in Amdho Region of northeastern Tibet Tibet (Ch: Aba County, Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the north-west of Sichuan Province),” Ven Tsering added, saying “His current conditions remain unknown.”

On Monday, Lobsang Kalsang, another Kirti monk, was arrested after a similar protest against the Chinese government where he called for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet and freedom for Tibetans. Both hailed from the same township of Meruma in Ngaba County.

Kirti Monastery has been the scene of repeated self-immolations and other protests by monks, former monks, and nuns opposed to Chinese rule.

The Ngaba area has been under military lockdown since major protests were held in the area following the spread of protests across the Tibetan plateau beginning in March, 2008.

The Chinese authorities are clamping down on the contents of popular social media, and particularly on the posting of photos, videos, and text that could be considered to be anti-China.

Jampal Gyatso walking along the streets of Ngaba County town, holding aloft a huge portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama – and raising slogans for “freedom in Tibet”, September 9, 2015. Photo: TPI

History against China; CTA says Tibet was never part of China

By Molly Lortie: September 07, 2015

Dharamshala — In response to the most recent white paper regarding Tibet issued by the Chinese Communist Party in August, the India based Central Tibetan Administration has released a 21-page document attempting to set the record straight regarding the historical timeline China has claimed.

While China observed its 50th anniversary of the establishment of the ‘Tibet Autonomous Region,’ the 21-page document entitled ‘Tibet was not a part of China but Middle Way remains a viable solution,’ was released by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, accompanied by DIIR Secretary Sonam Norbu Dagpo, DIIR Secretary Tashi Phuntsok and Tibet Policy director, Thubten Samphel.

The CTA revisits the elongating historical claims that China stakes over Tibet. Reminding us that, “the white paper on Tibet in 2004 claims that ‘Tibet became part of the territory of China in the 13th century.’ On the other hand, the Chinese Republican-era scholars assert that Tibet became a vassal state of China during the Qing period (1644-1911). Now, with its latest white paper, China has again shifted the goal post and states that Tibet has been an integral part of China since ‘antiquity’.”

The CTA goes on to refute each of China’s claims, revisiting the history of the region. In terms of the vague ‘antiquity’ that China most recently claims, the rise of the Tibetan Empire was in the seventh century CE, when both the King of Nepal and Emperor of China courted the Tibetan Empire and each offered their daughters to the Tibetan Emperor for marriage.

The first to suggest that this claim to Tibet holds no weight was the former Vice-chairman, of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress of China, who refuted his own government’s claim in 1989, saying, “some historians claim that Tibet had been a part of China from antiquity, some others claim since the time of Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo through his marriage to the Chinese princess. I do not agree with both these views. When you talk about antiquity, there is no time line or if it is from the time of Songtsen Gampo’s marriage, we all know that the first queen of Songtsen Gampo was Nepal’s princess in which case Tibet should be part of Nepal. How can we explain this?”

Going on to counter the claim that Tibet became a part of China during the 13th century, the CTA revisits Tibet’s history with Mongolia at the time.

“The Yuan dynasty was a Mongol empire and its ruler Genghis Khan and his successors conquered vast territories in Europe and Asia, including China. By 1279, the Chinese Song dynasty in southern China fell before the advancing Mongols.

The Mongols’ conquest of China was complete.

Today, China claims the Yuan Dynasty to be its own dynasty and, by doing so, it lays claim to all Mongol conquests, at least in the eastern half of the Mongol Empire.”

However, a Tibeto-Mongol relationship was established in 1240, when a Mongol expedition was launched to Tibet, thus leading to a religious relationship between the Mongol leaders and Tibetan religious hierarchs. It is well known that Kublai Khan embraced Tibetan Buddhism, adopting it as the official religion of his empire.

“In gratitude, Kublai Khan offered his Tibetan lama political authority over all Tibet in 1254, conferring various titles on him. This TibetoMongol relationship continued to exist even after the fall of the Yuan Dynasty.”

The dates of these expeditions, relations and invasions fail to match the timeline that the Chinese government claims. “The year of Mongol military expedition to Tibet in 1240 preceded the Mongol invasion of China’s Song Empire in 1279 by 39 years. This debunks China’s claim over Tibet based on the relations between Mongol Empire and Tibet’s Sakya Lamas.” The CTA concludes that even if by transitive property all Mongol conquests were in fact Chinese conquests, the Tibeto-Mongol relationship predated the fall

of the Chinese Song Empire.

Finally, in opposition to China’s final claim that Tibet was acquired during the Qing Dynasty, the CTA’s response uses a statement made by the imperial envoy and commander of the Manchu army, General Fu K’angan, to the Eighth Dalai Lama in 1792, showing the nature of the ‘regulations’ imparted by the Manchu emperor after he assisted the Tibetans in expelling the Gorkhas from Tibet. The statement clearly exudes the Emperor’s context as a protector or assister, rather than a ruler ordering his subjects, as the statement ends with, “The Tibetans may, therefore, decide for themselves as to what is in their favour and what is not or what is heavy and what is light, and make a choice on their own.”

Furthermore, after the conclusion of all the history that China claims made Tibet a part of China, it was in 1914 that Tibet signed a bilateral treaty with British India called the Simla Agreement, legitimizing Tibet’s independent status. Mao Zedong himself remarked after the long march that China’s only foreign debt was to the Tibetans for the provisions we owe them.

The CTA succeeded in using the history against China to refute their broken record that Tibet was at any point in history, part of China. The CTA suggests that the recent most intrusion into Tibet’s history is a blatant attempt of the Communist party to doctor history, to literally stretch the truth, in attempt to legitimize their continued occupation of the region, when in reality the history is against them.

Front cover of the 21-page document entitled ‘Tibet was not a part of China but Middle Way remains a viable solution.” Photo: TPI

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September 15, 2015

TPI NEWS

Back Page Focus

Peaceful solution to Tibet can greatly enhance China’s world soft power

London confirms itinerary of Tibet spiritual leader’s upcoming trip

By Molly Lortie: September 08, 2015

Dharamshala — In a recent press release disclosed by the Office of Tibet in London, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s itinerary for his upcoming trip to the United Kingdom.

This 9-day visit marks His Holiness’s second trip to the UK this year.

The main event of the trip is a talk at the O2 Arena in London on September 19th, an event organized by the Tibet House Trust.

His Holiness will also be visiting Oxford and Cambridge to participate in a series of events with scholars, scientists, students and schoolchildren focused on Action for Happiness in London.

The other main events on His Holiness’s itinerary include: September 14th: Private meeting with the new Dalai Lama Center for Compassion, Oxford The aim of the center, inspired by the Dalai Lama’s vision of compassion as a foundation for ethics, is to advance understanding of fundamental human values.

A Press conference will also be held on September 14, the only press meeting of

From left: DIIR Secretary Tashi Phuntsok, Sikyong Lobsang Sangay, Tibet Policy Institute Director Thubten Samphel and DIIR Secretary Sonam Norbu Dagpo during the press briefing at the headquarter of the CTA, on September 1, 2015. Photo: TPI/Choneyi Sangpo

By Yeshe Choesang: September 01, 2015

Dharamshala — China claims of not only “territorial sovereignty” over Tibet but also claims of “sovereignty over the soul of the Tibetan people,” the political leader of Tibetan people Dr Lobsang Sangay said at a press briefing in Dharamshala, India, while releasing a document in response to the China’s White Paper on Tibet.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Tuesday sent out a strong message to China as its observing 50th anniversary of establishment of the ‘Tibet Autonomous Region.’ Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay said that the CTA’s “response also argues that there is a way to resolve the issue” of Tibet.

The 21-page document: “Tibet was not part of China but Middle Way Remains a Viable Solution,” was released by Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, accompanied by DIIR Secretary Sonam Norbu Dagpo, DIIR Secretary Tashi Phuntsok and Tibet Policy director Thubten Samphel.

The reaction of the CTA has come in response to the Chinese white paper that preceded the two-day meeting of the 6th Tibet Work Forum held in Beijing on August 24-25 and attended

by President Xi Jinping and other top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders, officials of the military and the government.

“One striking feature of China’s latest white paper on Tibet is its attempt to distort the Middle Way Approach. The white paper gives the usual Chinese official argument that the Middle Way Approach is to “split” China and is a “disguised” form of Tibetan independence,” the CTA said.

In stark contrast to the allegations leveled by the white paper, the CTA said “the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy neither seeks independence nor “a state within a state... [with] the ultimate goal of full independence”.

“The white paper’s attempt at sullying the stature of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will fail to convince the international community and more importantly the Chinese people,” the CTA responded, saying “This is because His Holiness the Dalai Lama remains a true friend of the Chinese people and the best hope for a peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet.”

“The Middle Way Approach aspires for meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people to live under a single administration within the scope of the constitution of PRC,” it added, saying that “This is the aspiration of the Tibetan people and one which they deserve.”

“The new argument the white paper now gives is that the aim of the Middle Way Approach is to create “a state within a state. In the rest of the world this form of governance is called a federal system. India and the United States are good examples.”

It said: “To borrow the white paper ’s terminology, these two countries could be defined as “many states within a state. This federal system is practiced by China with

Hong Kong in the form of “one country, two systems.”

“The federal form of governance is working well in these two countries because they give the states within their national boundaries much leeway in terms of making laws, allocating resources, developing a liberal education system and a host of other rights that do not conflict with the central governments’ core responsibility of defending national interests.

However, if wiser Chinese heads look into the Tibetan proposal of not seeking “Independence” but “Meaningful Autonomy” for all the Tibetan people under a single administration, they will find in the proposal a solution that respects Tibet’s distinct cultural and national identity and preserves the territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China.

Increasing number of Chinese intellectuals within and outside China support this peace initiative, including Liu Xiaobo, the imprisoned Nobel Peace Laureate. Their support, Twelve Suggestions for Dealing With the Tibetan Situation, is published as an open letter to the Chinese authorities.

Any move by China to meet the concerns of the Tibetan people along the lines of the Middle Way Approach will pave the way for the restoration of strategic trust between India and China. This will open the borders between the two and free their militaries from entanglements. This in turn will improve the economic and cultural development of the Himalayan region and contribute to lasting peace in Asia.

In such a political atmosphere, Tibet could resume its traditional role of being the centre of Buddhist learning for the whole of the Buddhist Himalayas which will greatly boost the spiritual richness and facilitate economic and cultural interaction of the peoples of the Himalayas.

An approach based on the Chinese constitution to the Tibetan people could send a positive message to the people of Hong Kong that their concerns will be respected by Beijing. Chinese authorities giving “Meaningful Autonomy” to the Tibetan people will serve in restoring the confidence of the people of Hong Kong.

This will give real meat to the bone of President Xi Jinping’s China Dream. When China starts respecting Tibet as a global commons which has immense environmental and development importance to the rest of Asia rather than a colony to be exploited, the people of Hong Kong will no longer be fearful of a common future.

“Recognising the just aspirations of the Tibetan people can greatly enhance China’s soft power around the world. China does not need to spend millions of dollars in the form of Confucius Institutes across the globe to expand its influence,” the document said, adding: “Millions who have benefitted from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings will come to Tibet to deepen their knowledge and bringing with them international goodwill

and laying the groundwork for China’s moral ascendency. “ “More than flexing any military or economic muscle, a just settlement will assure China the international respect it wants. This will be the start of China’s new Long March to global leadership.”

“In recent years, the Dalai Lama ‘group’ has actively campaigned for the Middle Way internationally, said Zhu Weiqun, Chairman of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee, on 16 April 2015, saying, “Even though we (Chinese government) have criticised it, there are those who support it. Some international forces claim the Middle Way is a win-win situation for China and Tibetans.”

In response to the comments made by Zhu Weiqun, the CTA said: “Instead of addressing the contents of the Memorandum on Genuine Autonomy for the Tibetan People, the white paper distorts facts and manufactures quotes in an attempt to denounce the Middle Way Approach.”

“Instead of issuing white papers, there is an urgent need for China to withdraw its failed Tibet policy and replace it with a new policy based on the reasonable aspirations of the Tibetan people,” the document stressed.

“The widespread protests throughout the Tibetan plateau in 2008, the security force’s disproportionate use of force, extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions of scores of Tibetans has left a deep political scar on the minds of the Tibetans,” it further added.

“Coupled with this, decades of economic marginalisation, cultural assimilation, and other policies aimed at identity erosion have contributed to deepening the Tibetan people’s resentment,” the document said, “142 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since 2009, calling for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to his homeland and freedom for the Tibetan people.”

However, the document said the CTA “firmly believes that dialogue is the only way forward to resolve the issue of Tibet. Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay has reiterated the Tibetan leadership’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the issue of Tibet through dialogue between envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and representatives of the Chinese leadership.”

The CTA said that “the Middle Way Approach, which seeks to accommodate China’s core interests while protecting those of the Tibetans, has evolved since it was first enunciated.”

“A quick review of the history of the evolution of the Chinese constitution and the Party’s policy on Tibet reveals the steady dilution of rights of minorities from the right of secession to self- determination in the 1930’s and to a limited and even restrictive autonomy under a unitary state today. While in principle, the constitution of the PRC makes provisions on autonomy for broad decision-making authority at the provincial level, this provision is missing in autonomous regions such as Tibet. “

The Tibet Post International

the visit.

September 16th-17th in Cambridge: His Holiness and Lord Rowan Williams will lead a private two-day symposium at Cambridge University bringing together scientists, writers, business people, philosophers, young people and others.

September 19th, 1 pm at the O2 Arena, London: His Holiness’ talk, entitled Compassion: the Foundation of Well-Being, will be followed by a Q&A session chaired by psychologist and ‘emotional intelligence’ expert Daniel Goleman.

September 21st (World Peace Day), Action for Happiness Conference, London: His Holiness will join a discussion with other eminent speakers on how to create a happier and more caring world.

Westminster, London: His Holiness the Dalai Lama will also meet with Parliamentarians in a meeting convened by the All Party P a r l i a m e n t a r y G r o u p f o r Ti b e t . T h e Parliamentary Group is chaired by Fabian Hamilton MP, who has led two major debates on Tibet in Parliament.

US diplomat asks China to rethink about restrictions on Tibet

By Yeshe Choesang: September 01, 2015

Dharamshala— A senior U.S. diplomat has asked China to reassess its policies which impose restrictions on religious freedom in Tibet.

The call came days after the senior U.S. diplomat David Saperstein concluded his visit to the Communist nation and discussed issues of human rights’ violations and religious freedom with the Chinese authorities.

As ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, Saperstein was on a 8-day visit, starting from August 20 to China.

Saperstein raised a number of ongoing concerns of the US regarding the Chinese government’s human rights violations pertaining to religious freedom during his visits to Beijing, Shijiazhuang, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Hong Kong, a statement said.

He called for an end in the ongoing campaign

church demolitions in Zhejiang province and harassment of members from unregistered religious groups.

“He urged Chinese authorities to reassess counterproductive policies, including restrictions on the religious practice of Tibetan Buddhists and Uighur Muslims,” a statement said, adding that Saperstein also conveyed the US government’s deep concern over the recent detentions of many human rights defenders and religious leaders.

In meetings with government officials, Saperstein noted positive developments, including the growth of religious communities in China.

He also recognised the significant increase in the contributions of faith-based organisations to Chinese society, especially in the provision of social services, the statement said.