NEW YORK CITY: A group of Chinese democracy activists based in New York and New Jersey held a gathering at the Flushing neighborhood in New York City on Friday, 16 December.

The gathering was held to welcome Mr Penpa Tsering, new Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Office of Tibet, Washington DC, and to revitalise the Sino-Tibetan relations. Mr Xia Ming, Professor at New York University, moderated the gathering.

Representative Penpa Tsering, Mr Rinchen Dharlo and Mr Lobsang Nyandrak from Tibet Fund attended the gathering along with representatives from Tibetan communities and non-governmental organisations based in the area. Besides the Tibetan dignitaries, over a hundred Chinese intellectuals and democracy activists attended the gathering.

“This gathering is being held to reaffirm our support to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and enhance the growing relation between the Tibetan and the Chinese people,” Mr Xia Ming, said in his introductory remarks.

“It’s a bit cold tonight. However, inside this hall, it feels like a warm spring evening and winter seems very far away,” he said, as he noted the glowing faces of the people.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama has always called for closer relation between the Tibetan and the Chinese people. But we the Chinese people were a bit late to reciprocate. And for that, I extend my heartiest apologies to my Tibetan friends,” he said.

“These days, not just in North America, everywhere across the globe, Sino-Tibetan relations are growing stronger by the minute. This in itself is a huge outcome of the Middle Way Approach advocated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. And for this, we offer heartfelt gratitude to His Holiness for conceiving this visionary approach,” he explained.

Representative Penpa Tsering spoke about His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s three main commitments in life and urged the Chinese friends to continue their support for the Tibet issue.

Representative Penpa Tsering was presented an honorary memento from the office of Mr Rubin Diaz, a member of New York City Council, and a painting with poetry by Chinese artist Hong Xian. These gifts were presented as an expression of solidarity from the Chinese community towards the situation inside Tibet.

The vote of thanks at the gathering was delivered by Mr Norbu Tsering, president of the regional Tibetan community.