Sikyong Penpa Tsering Successfully Concludes Official Engagements in Europe with Public Address in Paris

Dharamshala: On 16 November 2024, Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration arrived in Paris to a warm welcome reception from Tibetan Parliamentarian Thubten Gyatso, Coordinator Thupten Tsering, Office Of Tibet Paris, heads and members of the Tibetan Association France as well as representatives of local NGOs.

On the subsequent day, Sikyong had a lunch meeting with Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio, the President of the French Parliamentary Group for Tibet and a member of the French Senate. Julien Bachard, Mayor of Saint- Gartien, also attended the meeting. Following this, Sikyong addressed the Tibetan community in Paris, discussing Tibet-related issues and the undertakings of the 16th Kashag.

During his address, Sikyong emphasised that Tibetans in exile have been able to maintain their struggle for the Tibetan cause mostly because of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s tremendous contributions in establishing this full-fledged robust community in exile. Sikyong noted that since His Holiness cannot maintain the same level of activities as before, it is important for Tibetans to support His Holiness’ noble visions and intensify their efforts for Tibet’s freedom struggle. Sikyong also mentioned that he has been travelling to many countries to seek support for the Tibetan cause and raise awareness about Tibet’s situation.

Speaking about the Central Tibetan Administration’s political endeavour, Sikyong stated, “Our primary responsibility is to resolve the long-standing Sino-Tibetan conflict. Our charter clearly states we must seek a resolution to the Tibet cause. Therefore, the policy of the Middle Way Approach, which was proposed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and has been unanimously approved by the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile with broad support from the Tibetan people, is our path forward. The term ‘middle’ refers to a centred, balanced approach. Today, many world politicians are trying to implement this concept of the ‘middle way’ in line with His Holiness’ vision.

Sikyong further explained how His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Central Tibetan Administration have made efforts to engage in dialogue with the People’s Republic of China, outlining both the approaches taken and their results. He noted that the Middle Way Approach has enabled connections between Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, allowing many Tibetans to travel abroad and exile Tibetans to visit their relatives in Tibet.

Sikyong also highlighted how His Holiness the Dalai Lama created a unified identity for all three traditional provinces of Tibet. While explaining that the 16th Kashag continues to follow the Middle Way Approach like previous administrations, he mentioned a slight strategic shift, “We are now emphasising Tibet’s historical status as an independent nation while seeking dialogue with China, aiming to create pressure for negotiations.”

In addition, Sikyong discussed how, under President Xi Jinping’s authoritarian rule, China is implementing an extensive program to forcibly assimilate ethnic minorities into Chinese identity. In Tibet, Sikyong elaborated, this includes systematic efforts to eliminate Tibet’s unique culture, notably Tibetan Buddhism, through various means. He highlighted the forced closure of Tibetan-language schools and the mandatory enrolment of Tibetan children in colonial-style boarding schools, all aimed at erasing Tibetan identity.

Apart from that, Sikyong specifically addressed China’s interference in the recognition of reincarnate lamas through Order No. 5, established in 2007. He explained that this order serves China’s political interests and is primarily aimed at controlling the future reincarnation of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He urged Tibetans to be more vigilant and committed than ever in protecting their religion, culture, and language identity in light of these challenges.

This public address was Sikyong’s final engagement in Europe, after which he departed for India on the evening of 17 November.