Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the head of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), has firmly stated that China possesses no authority to interfere in the succession process of the Dalai Lama. He urged the international community to enact robust resolutions that will safeguard the reincarnation of the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Tsering made these remarks during a panel discussion titled “When Faith Becomes Political: Defending Freedom in an Age of Authoritarianism.” The event was part of the 30th Forum 2000 Conference held in Prague from October 11-12. Tsering accused Beijing of attempting to exert control over Tibetan religious traditions through the imposition of state regulations and political interference in Buddhist succession practices.
Succession Mandate Rests with Gaden Phodrang Trust
Tsering emphasised that the sole authority to recognise the next Dalai Lama rests with the India-registered Gaden Phodrang Trust. He drew attention to the enforced disappearance of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, in 1995, as evidence of the dangers inherent in allowing state control over religious lineages.
The Tibetan leader warned of the profound threat to Tibet’s cultural survival, detailing China’s “Ethnic Unity Law” and its assimilation policies, which he described as leading Tibet towards a “slow death.” He further highlighted the destruction of over 6,000 monasteries, the substantial casualties during the Cultural Revolution, and the pervasive surveillance within Tibet. Despite these adversities, Tsering asserted that the spirit of Tibetans inside Tibet remained unbroken.
Diplomatic Outreach and Middle Way Approach
The Tibetan leadership is actively engaged in diplomatic outreach to democratic governments, the global Buddhist community, and the Tibetan diaspora to counter Beijing’s interference. The CTA remains committed to the Middle Way Approach, which advocates for genuine autonomy for Tibet. Tsering reiterated his call for the international community to adopt stronger resolutions that protect the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process and support the Tibetan struggle for freedom.
He welcomed the legislative and diplomatic support extended by the United States and its European allies. Tsering also accused Beijing of orchestrating the systematic assimilation of Tibetan children through colonial-style boarding schools. He expressed concerns regarding China’s dam-building activities and environmental degradation in Tibet, noting that the refusal to share hydrological data poses significant risks to regional water and food security, given Tibet’s critical role as the “Water Tower of Asia.”
Global Governance and Supply Chain Concerns
Tsering cautioned Western democracies against an excessive reliance on Chinese supply chains, warning that Beijing aims to export its authoritarian surveillance model globally. He stated that the Tibetan struggle for freedom continues through the resilience of Tibetans within Tibet and sustained international awareness efforts.
During the conference, Tsering engaged in meetings with several international figures, including former Costa Rican Vice-President Ana Helena Chacón, German Bundestag member Roderich Kiesewetter, Japanese parliamentarian Yuya Mineshima, European Parliament member Alexandr Vondra, and Freedom House president and CEO Jamie Fly. These discussions with human rights advocates, democracy campaigners, and international media representatives preceded his attendance at the Global Democracy Networking Dinner in Prague.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
