Halifax, November 21: Honorable Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay participated in the panel discussion on “Hong Kong, China: One City, Two Visions” at the Halifax International Security Forum in Canada.
Speaking at the panel discussion he said, “The recent protest in Hong Kong is an indication that democracy is touching the shores of China. Protest in Hong Kong is a test for the Chinese government and the people of Hong Kong”. He further said, “The One Country, Two Systems of Hong Kong has its genesis in the 17-Point Agreement that the People’s Republic of China signed with Tibet under duress on May 23, 1951″.
Answering to a question on Tibetan issue, he said: “Despite China’s repressive policy inside Tibet, the commitments of third generation Tibetans both inside and outside for Tibetan struggle and preservation of Tibetan culture, religion and language are very strong. They all are born and brought up under the present Chinese regime, but their sense of patriotism is stronger than ever before.” He said since 2009, there has been 132 Tibetans who self-immolated in Tibet.
As for the pros and cons of introducing democracy in China, Sikyong argued that a democratic China would boost its economy and bring harmony in the society.
The speakers of the panel include The Rt. Hon. Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones, Chairman, Cyber Security Advisory Panel to the Bank of England and Dr. Masashi Nishihara, President, Research Institute for Peace and Security. The Panel is being moderated by Mr. Stephen Puddicombe, Journalist, CBC Television.
Sikyong also participated at the dinner conversation “Modi Operendi: The New India” where he discussed about India, China and issue of Tibet along with prominent figures from India and those interested in the issue of India.
During this three days of highly tight security conference in Canada, Honorable Sikyong met with leaders from around the world including former heads of states, present and former cabinet ministers, US Congressmen, Parliamentarians, army generals, scholars and security analysts among others.
This is the 6th Annual International Security Forum with 300 participants including eminent speakers from 60 different countries.
Sikyong Sangay arrived Halifax on 21 November and will be travelling to Montreal and Ottawa on 24 November.
