Tibetan Leadership Address Tibetans in Japan Ahead of World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet

Tokyo: Sikyong Penpa Tsering, along with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and Parliamentarian Tenzin Phuntsok Doring, who currently in Japan to organise the World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet, addressed the Tibetan community in Tokyo on 1 June 2025.

In his keynote address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering outlined key initiatives and achievements of the 16th Kashag, with a particular focus on its political efforts to resolve the long-standing Tibet–China conflict. He emphasised the importance of demonstrating and proving to the international community that Tibet was historically an independent nation to legitimise the Tibetan struggle and reinforce the Central Tibetan Administration’s Middle Way Approach. Sikyong stressed that it is crucial for all Tibetans to study and understand Tibet’s historical context.

While noting the existence of back-channel communications with the PRC, Sikyong asserted that regardless of whether the political stance is the Middle Way or complete independence, no solution can be achieved without direct engagement with the Chinese government.

Sikyong further noted that, because of the tireless efforts of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Tibetan freedom movement has gained global recognition. To maintain this momentum, he urged Tibetans in exile to continue advocacy and lobbying efforts in their host countries, encouraging Japanese Tibetans to contribute actively and enhance solidarity for the cause in Japan.

Sikyong also addressed administrative and welfare initiatives undertaken by the Kashag. He stated that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is currently allocating its largest budget toward social welfare. For the long-term stability of the CTA, he said efforts are underway to finalise legal documentation related to settlement lands. He introduced several initiatives, including staff capacity-building programmes and the Tibet Digital Library Project. Speaking about international support, he shared that recent meetings and lobbying efforts with U.S. lawmakers have raised hopes for the restoration of American aid to the CTA.

Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel expressed appreciation for the sustained support from Japanese parliamentarians, particularly members of the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet. He highlighted that the initiative to convene the International Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet in Japan had originally been a vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, realised through the collaboration between the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE). He underscored the importance of this support group and explained TPiE’s continued efforts to lobby legislators worldwide. He also noted the passing of pro-Tibet resolutions by various national parliaments as a testament to these efforts.

Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang urged Tibetans living abroad, including those in Japan, to prioritise the preservation and transmission of Tibetan language and culture to their children. She also called for continued support and assistance for the Office of Tibet.

Parliamentarian Tenzin Phuntsok Doring —representing the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from Australasia and Asia (excluding India, Nepal, and Bhutan)— encouraged unity among Tibetans in Japan and emphasised the need to expand the network of local supporters for the Tibetan cause.

The event was also attended by Representative Dr. Tsewang Gyalpo Arya from the Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama (Office of Tibet), former Representative Pema Gyalpo, and Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet.