Exiled Tibetan leaders have been travelling to Paris to meet with members of the diaspora as Beijing steps up its forceful integration policies of ethnic minorities. RFI spoke to one of them, exiled foreign minister “Kalon” Norzin Dolma.
-By Jan van der Made for Radio France Internationale
RFI: What is the purpose of your trip to France?
Kalon Norzin Dolma: It is about strengthening relationships and seeking support from different stakeholders within European countries.
RFI: How do you deal with Beijing’s official line that countries with diplomatic relations with China, including France, must recognise that Tibet is an inseparable part of China?
Kalon Norzin Dolma: China has been extensively and very aggressively engaged in influence operations, especially in terms of propaganda, disinformation, and censorship of information.
We don’t accept China’s disinformation and negative narrative about Tibet.
We consider the status and situation of the Sino-Tibet conflict as currently unresolved and needing resolution through a dialogue process. We don’t consider that narrative (Tibet as part of China) to be truthful to the current situation. Based on historical facts, it is not true.
RFI: As a diplomat, how do you see the possibilities of having a dialogue or diplomatic exchanges with China?
Kalon Norzin Dolma: We had Sino-Tibet negotiations between Chinese counterparts and the envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama from 2002 to 2010. We are very much committed to the dialogue process.
But, the Chinese government lacks the political will and wisdom to come to the negotiating table. It is also not understanding the importance of having this settled with a negotiated solution during the lifetime of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who can provide authority and legitimacy on this issue. Click here to read more.