Group photo taken during the “Sino-Tibet Youth High Tea”. (Faces of some participants are blurred for security concerns)

Canberra: Tibet Information Office, in collaboration with the Chinese Alliance for Democracy, organised “Sino-Tibet Youth High Tea” in Sydney this Sunday with the active participation of over 20 youths from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and local Tibetans.

The program aims to create a platform of peaceful dialogue between Sino-Tibet youth and strengthen the civil connection.

Chinese Liaison Officer of Tibet Information Office, Dawa Sangmo, in her welcome speech, emphasised the historical tie shared by Tibet and China, saying the two being neighbouring countries, once lived in harmony under the priest and patron and peaceful marriage relations. Now in times of conflict, following His Holiness Dalai Lama’s guidance of peaceful conflict resolution through open dialogue is the ultimate way moving forward.

Dr Jinjiang Zhong (president of Chinese Alliance for Democracy) and Duoduo Zhang (chairman of Sydney China-Tibet Friendship Association), while moderating the program, praised the active participation from youth and said the frequent dialogue not only helps regain trust but will also strengthen the bond, hence encouraged to maintain the same spirit in future collaborations.

The guest speakers, Professor Chungyi Feng (associate professor of Chinese Studies at Sydney University of Technology) and Lobsang Nyima (former Chinese Liaison Officer for Europe), gave talks on Chinese modern history, Tibetan culture preservation, and youth.

Professor Feng, in his talk, briefed on the tyrannies the totalitarian regime committed, which caused an ever-deterioration in China’s human rights; the regime’s brutal policies on Tibetans also created division among Tibetans and Han Chinese people. He stated that in times like this, it’s crucial to follow the guidance of His Holiness Dalai Lama and put effort into re-establishing Sino-Tibetan civil friendship.

Lobsang Nyima, who now resides in Bern, Switzerland, spoke to participants virtually, during which he briefed the histories of Tibetans successfully halting the eastward expansion of the Arab empire and persuading the Yuan dynasty rulers not to massacre the Han Chinese people; he then said from an objective point of view, Tibet has saved China’s civilisation twice in history. He continued and said Tibetans are known for their compassionate nature, and with His Holiness Dalai Lama’s lifelong effort in establishing the middle-way policy, Tibetans are still willing to solve the conflict through non-violent solutions.

During this three-hour program, participants bonded over Tibetan butter tea and Tibetan and Chinese calligraphy writing, leading to a successful interaction.

-Report filed by OoT Canberra