Tibetan political leader Penpa Tsering has strongly condemned China's policies in Tibet, asserting that Beijing's intensified assimilation campaign endangers not only Tibetans but also democratic values worldwide, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).
High-Level Meetings in Germany
During a series of high-level engagements in Germany, Penpa Tsering met with Thomas Rachel, a member of the Bundestag and chair of the Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief in Berlin. In their discussion, Tsering briefed the lawmaker on the situation in Tibet, detailing China's growing restrictions on Tibetan religious, cultural, and linguistic freedoms, as well as the health of the Dalai Lama.
Dalai Lama's Commitment and Tibet's History
Tsering informed Rachel that the Dalai Lama remains dedicated to serving humanity. He also reviewed Tibet's modern history, recalling China's military takeover in 1950 and the subsequent repression that forced the Dalai Lama into exile in 1959, the CTA reported.
Accusations of Systematic Erosion
Highlighting Beijing's current policies, Tsering accused Chinese authorities of systematically eroding Tibetan identity through strict controls on monasteries, limitations on Tibetan-language education, and the expansion of state-run boarding schools. He also expressed concern over widespread surveillance practices, including facial recognition systems, DNA collection, and digital monitoring across Tibet.
Reincarnation Dispute
Tsering rejected China's attempts to control the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, arguing that such decisions belong solely to Tibetan Buddhist traditions and religious authorities.
Call for International Solidarity
Later, addressing the International Uyghur Forum in Berlin, Tsering called for stronger cooperation among Tibetans, Uyghurs, Mongolians, Hong Kongers, and Taiwanese facing pressure from China. He described the struggle as part of a broader contest between democracy and authoritarianism, as cited by the CTA.
Demographic Engineering and Environmental Concerns
Tsering warned about China's demographic engineering and assimilation policies in Tibet, East Turkistan, and Southern Mongolia. He also raised concerns over Beijing's plan to construct a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, cautioning that it could cause severe environmental damage and affect downstream nations, the CTA reported.
