Top US diplomat in Delhi, Atul Keshap, on Tuesday, met the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Ngodup Dongchung, in Delhi. During the meeting, US Chargé d’Affaires Atul extended support for the preservation of "Tibetans' unique cultural and linguistic identities".

In a tweet, he said, "Enjoyed meeting with Ngodup Dongchung, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The US supports religious freedom and the preservation of Tibetans' unique cultural and linguistic identities and respects the @DalaiLama’s vision of equal rights for all people.

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Enjoyed meeting with Ngodup Dongchung, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The U.S. supports the religious freedom and the preservation of Tibetans' unique cultural and linguistic identities, and respects the <a href="https://twitter.com/DalaiLama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalaiLama</a>’s vision for the equal rights of all people. <a href="https://t.co/zQoiMGAbLy">pic.twitter.com/zQoiMGAbLy</a>
— CdA Amb Atul Keshap (@USAmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1425087418424778754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The meeting comes even as the US has increased its engagement with the Tibetan leadership in exile while pointing to increased human rights violations by the Chinese communist party in Tibet and Xinjiang.&nbsp;

"The meeting happened this morning. It was about getting a better understanding of the Tibetan issue, especially with freedom of religious rights and what is happening inside Tibet. For better understanding, " Tenzin Lekshay, Spokesperson for the Tibet Govt in exile, told WION.

The Atul-Ngodup meeting lasted for one hour. The meeting comes days after US Secretary of State Blinken had met him during his one-day Delhi visit. During the visit, Blinken also met members of civil society, which included Geshe Dorjee Damdul, Director of Tibet House, the Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The picture was tweeted from the US Secretary of State's Twitter handle as well.

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I was pleased to meet civil society leaders today. The U.S. and India share a commitment to democratic values; this is part of the bedrock of our relationship and reflective of India’s pluralistic society and history of harmony. Civil society helps advance these values. <a href="https://t.co/5NL2WiQ13o">pic.twitter.com/5NL2WiQ13o</a>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1420252756590448640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In an interview with WION later, Dorji expresses concern about the Chinese Communist Party. He said, "communist Chinese (Chinese communist party) CCP is very unpredictable and can not be trusted. What can happen to the world? We never know."

Geshe Dorjee Damdul is considered close to the 14th Dalai Lama &amp; has accompanied him on various visits &amp; acted as his interpreter. In November, the White House invited Lobsang Sangay, the then President of the Tibetan Govt in Exile.

Top US diplomat in Delhi, Atul Keshap, on Tuesday, met the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Ngodup Dongchung, in Delhi. During the meeting, US Chargé d’Affaires Atul extended support for the preservation of "Tibetans' unique cultural and linguistic identities".

Top US diplomat in Delhi, Atul Keshap, on Tuesday, met the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Ngodup Dongchung, in Delhi. During the meeting, US Chargé d’Affaires Atul extended support for the preservation of "Tibetans' unique cultural and linguistic identities". In a tweet, he said, "Enjoyed meeting with Ngodup Dongchung, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The US supports religious freedom and the preservation of Tibetans' unique cultural and linguistic identities and respects the @DalaiLama’s vision of equal rights for all people. Enjoyed meeting with Ngodup Dongchung, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The U.S. supports the religious freedom and the preservation of Tibetans' unique cultural and linguistic identities, and respects the @DalaiLama’s vision for the equal rights of all people. pic.twitter.com/zQoiMGAbLy — CdA Amb Atul Keshap (@USAmbIndia) August 10, 2021 × The meeting comes even as the US has increased its engagement with the Tibetan leadership in exile while pointing to increased human rights violations by the Chinese communist party in Tibet and Xinjiang. "The meeting happened this morning. It was about getting a better understanding of the Tibetan issue, especially with freedom of religious rights and what is happening inside Tibet. For better understanding, " Tenzin Lekshay, Spokesperson for the Tibet Govt in exile, told WION. The Atul-Ngodup meeting lasted for one hour. The meeting comes days after US Secretary of State Blinken had met him during his one-day Delhi visit. During the visit, Blinken also met members of civil society, which included Geshe Dorjee Damdul, Director of Tibet House, the Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The picture was tweeted from the US Secretary of State's Twitter handle as well. I was pleased to meet civil society leaders today. The U.S. and India share a commitment to democratic values; this is part of the bedrock of our relationship and reflective of India’s pluralistic society and history of harmony. Civil society helps advance these values. pic.twitter.com/5NL2WiQ13o — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 28, 2021 × In an interview with WION later, Dorji expresses concern about the Chinese Communist Party. He said, "communist Chinese (Chinese communist party) CCP is very unpredictable and can not be trusted. What can happen to the world? We never know." Geshe Dorjee Damdul is considered close to the 14th Dalai Lama & has accompanied him on various visits & acted as his interpreter. In November, the White House invited Lobsang Sangay, the then President of the Tibetan Govt in Exile.

Top US diplomat in Delhi meets Dalai Lama representative Ngodup, days after Blinken meet

In a development that China will be keenly noting, US Secretary of State Blinken met Dalai Lama's representative Ngodup Dongchung during his visit to India's&nbsp;capital New Delhi.

Spokesperson of Tibetan Government&nbsp;in Exile (Central Tibetan Administration) Tenzin Lekshay confirmed to WION that both sides met briefly on Wednesday morning in India's national capital.

This is the second such meeting between the US government and the Tibetan side in months.

In November, Lobsang Sangay, the former head of the Tibetan government in exile, visited the White House, the first such visit in six decades.

Later during the meeting with Civil society members, Geshe Dorjee Damdul, Director of Tibet House, Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was present. The picture was tweeted from the US Secretary of state's Twitter handle as well.

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I was pleased to meet civil society leaders today. The U.S. and India share a commitment to democratic values; this is part of the bedrock of our relationship and reflective of India’s pluralistic society and history of harmony. Civil society helps advance these values. <a href="https://t.co/5NL2WiQ13o">pic.twitter.com/5NL2WiQ13o</a>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1420252756590448640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Blinken's meeting with Dongchung is the most significant contact with the Tibetan leadership since the Dalai Lama met then-president Barack Obama in Washington in 2016.

Geshe Dorjee Damdul is considered close to the 14th Dalai Lama and&nbsp;has accompanied him on various visits and&nbsp;acted as his interpreter.&nbsp;

The development comes even as the US has been calling expressing its concern&nbsp;over human rights issues in Tibet and the&nbsp;restive Xinjiang province

Chinese troops seized Tibet in 1950 in what Beijing calls a "peaceful liberation". In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled into exile in India following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

The CTA and Tibetan advocacy groups have received a boost in international support in recent months amid rising criticism of China's human rights record, particularly from the United States.

In a development that China will be keenly noting, US Secretary of State Blinken met Dalai Lama's representative Ngodup Dongchung during his visit to India's capital New Delhi.

In a development that China will be keenly noting, US Secretary of State Blinken met Dalai Lama's representative Ngodup Dongchung during his visit to India's capital New Delhi. Spokesperson of Tibetan Government in Exile (Central Tibetan Administration) Tenzin Lekshay confirmed to WION that both sides met briefly on Wednesday morning in India's national capital. This is the second such meeting between the US government and the Tibetan side in months. In November, Lobsang Sangay, the former head of the Tibetan government in exile, visited the White House, the first such visit in six decades. Later during the meeting with Civil society members, Geshe Dorjee Damdul, Director of Tibet House, Cultural Centre of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was present. The picture was tweeted from the US Secretary of state's Twitter handle as well. I was pleased to meet civil society leaders today. The U.S. and India share a commitment to democratic values; this is part of the bedrock of our relationship and reflective of India’s pluralistic society and history of harmony. Civil society helps advance these values. pic.twitter.com/5NL2WiQ13o — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) July 28, 2021 × Blinken's meeting with Dongchung is the most significant contact with the Tibetan leadership since the Dalai Lama met then-president Barack Obama in Washington in 2016. Geshe Dorjee Damdul is considered close to the 14th Dalai Lama and has accompanied him on various visits and acted as his interpreter. The development comes even as the US has been calling expressing its concern over human rights issues in Tibet and the restive Xinjiang province Chinese troops seized Tibet in 1950 in what Beijing calls a "peaceful liberation". In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled into exile in India following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. The CTA and Tibetan advocacy groups have received a boost in international support in recent months amid rising criticism of China's human rights record, particularly from the United States.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets Dalai Lama's representative in Delhi

The spokesperson of the Tibetan government in exile(Central Tibetan Administration)&nbsp;Tenzin Lekshay has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping should understand the "aspirations of Tibetan people" and "resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict".&nbsp;

His comments come in the backdrop of Xi Jinping's surprise visit to the region. It is after 30 years that a Chinese president has visited the troubled region, the last being&nbsp;Jiang Zemin in 1990.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Lekshay called for the resumption of dialogue between representatives of his holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government. State media showed Xi in Tibet's capital Lhasa being greeted by locals in ethnic clothes waving Chinese flags in what is expectedly a choreographed move.&nbsp;

The general secretary of the Communist Party of China's central committee was also present at the Potala Palace Square. Potala Palace was the&nbsp;winter palace of the&nbsp;Dalai Lama&nbsp;till 1959 when China occupied the region.

WION: Your reaction to Xi Jinping's Tibet visit?

Tenzin Lekshay: Xi Jinping's visit to Tibet just came in the news and was not highlighted before&nbsp;as it was secretive. What we believe, this is his first visit after becoming the president of China which signifies that Tibet is still very important to China.

So in spite of the fact&nbsp;that so many problems have been happening inside China, he visited Tibet. Therefore, it shows, surely signifies Tibet still matters a lot to China.&nbsp;

WION: Any message in terms of the visit of Xi to Tibet?

Tenzin Lekshay: As expected if you look back in 2011&nbsp;when he was the vice president&nbsp;he visited Tibet and now ten&nbsp;years later he is visiting again.

This year China marks the 70 years of the so-called peaceful liberation of Tibet&nbsp;which Tibetans rejected. This year&nbsp;they are trying to show the world everything inside Tibet is good.

However, this visit is&nbsp;a very significant development, we believe Xi Jinping should understand the aspirations of the Tibetan people&nbsp;and when he is in Tibet he should help resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict which has been there since 1959.&nbsp;

It is very important for him for the sake of the future of China and Tibet that we should resume dialogue between representatives of his holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government.

The spokesperson of the Tibetan government in exile(Central Tibetan Administration) Tenzin Lekshay has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping should understand the "aspirations of Tibetan people" and "resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict".

The spokesperson of the Tibetan government in exile(Central Tibetan Administration) Tenzin Lekshay has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping should understand the "aspirations of Tibetan people" and "resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict". His comments come in the backdrop of Xi Jinping's surprise visit to the region. It is after 30 years that a Chinese president has visited the troubled region, the last being Jiang Zemin in 1990. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lekshay called for the resumption of dialogue between representatives of his holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government. State media showed Xi in Tibet's capital Lhasa being greeted by locals in ethnic clothes waving Chinese flags in what is expectedly a choreographed move. The general secretary of the Communist Party of China's central committee was also present at the Potala Palace Square. Potala Palace was the winter palace of the Dalai Lama till 1959 when China occupied the region. WION: Your reaction to Xi Jinping's Tibet visit? Tenzin Lekshay: Xi Jinping's visit to Tibet just came in the news and was not highlighted before as it was secretive. What we believe, this is his first visit after becoming the president of China which signifies that Tibet is still very important to China. So in spite of the fact that so many problems have been happening inside China, he visited Tibet. Therefore, it shows, surely signifies Tibet still matters a lot to China. WION: Any message in terms of the visit of Xi to Tibet? Tenzin Lekshay: As expected if you look back in 2011 when he was the vice president he visited Tibet and now ten years later he is visiting again. This year China marks the 70 years of the so-called peaceful liberation of Tibet which Tibetans rejected. This year they are trying to show the world everything inside Tibet is good. However, this visit is a very significant development, we believe Xi Jinping should understand the aspirations of the Tibetan people and when he is in Tibet he should help resolve the Sino-Tibet conflict which has been there since 1959. It is very important for him for the sake of the future of China and Tibet that we should resume dialogue between representatives of his holiness the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government.

China trying to show everything is good in Tibet, says Tibetan government in exile

The spokesperson of the Tibetan government&nbsp;in exile (Central Tibetan Administration)&nbsp;Tenzin Lekshay has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping should understand the "aspirations of Tibetan people" and "resolve the sino-Tibet conflict".&nbsp;

His comments come in the backdrop of Xi Jinping's surprise visit to the region. It is after 30 years that a Chinese President has visited the troubled region, the last being&nbsp;Jiang Zemin in 1990.

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Lekshay called for the resumption of the "dialogue between representatives of his holiness Dalai Lama and the Chinese government."

State media showed Xi in Tibet's capital Lhasa being greeted by locals in ethnic clothes waving Chinese flags in what is expectedly a choreographed move.&nbsp;

The general secretary Communist Party of China Central Committee was also present at the Potala Palace Square. Potala Palace was the&nbsp;winter palace of the&nbsp;Dalai Lamas&nbsp;till 1959 when China occupied the region.

WION: Your reaction to Xi Jinping's Tibet visit?

Tenzin Lekshay: Xi Jinping's visit to Tibet just came in the news and was not highlighted before, was secretive. What we believe, is his first visit after becoming the President of China, which signifies that Tibet is still very important to China. So in spite of the fact, that so many problems happening inside China, he visited Tibet. Therefore, it shows, surely signifies Tibet still matters a lot to China.&nbsp;

WION: Any message in terms of the visit of Xi you think?

Tenzin Lekshay: As expected if u look back in 2011, when he was the vice president, he visited Tibet. 10 years after he is visiting again. This year again, China marks 70 years of the so-called peaceful liberation of Tibet, which Tibetans rejected. So, therefore, this year, they try to show to world everything inside Tibet is good.

But however taking this visit as a very significant thing, we believe Xi Jinping should understand&nbsp; aspirations of Tibetan people, and when he is in Tibet and to resolve the sino tibet conflict which is there since 1959, more than 50 years have gone. It is very important for him for the sake of future of China and Tibet we should resume the dialogue between representatives of his holiness Dalai lama and Chinese govt.

The spokesperson of the Tibetan government in exile (Central Tibetan Administration) Tenzin Lekshay has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping should understand the "aspirations of Tibetan people" and "resolve the sino-Tibet conflict".

The spokesperson of the Tibetan government in exile (Central Tibetan Administration) Tenzin Lekshay has said that Chinese President Xi Jinping should understand the "aspirations of Tibetan people" and "resolve the sino-Tibet conflict". His comments come in the backdrop of Xi Jinping's surprise visit to the region. It is after 30 years that a Chinese President has visited the troubled region, the last being Jiang Zemin in 1990. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Lekshay called for the resumption of the "dialogue between representatives of his holiness Dalai Lama and the Chinese government." State media showed Xi in Tibet's capital Lhasa being greeted by locals in ethnic clothes waving Chinese flags in what is expectedly a choreographed move. The general secretary Communist Party of China Central Committee was also present at the Potala Palace Square. Potala Palace was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas till 1959 when China occupied the region. WION: Your reaction to Xi Jinping's Tibet visit? Tenzin Lekshay: Xi Jinping's visit to Tibet just came in the news and was not highlighted before, was secretive. What we believe, is his first visit after becoming the President of China, which signifies that Tibet is still very important to China. So in spite of the fact, that so many problems happening inside China, he visited Tibet. Therefore, it shows, surely signifies Tibet still matters a lot to China. WION: Any message in terms of the visit of Xi you think? Tenzin Lekshay: As expected if u look back in 2011, when he was the vice president, he visited Tibet. 10 years after he is visiting again. This year again, China marks 70 years of the so-called peaceful liberation of Tibet, which Tibetans rejected. So, therefore, this year, they try to show to world everything inside Tibet is good. But however taking this visit as a very significant thing, we believe Xi Jinping should understand aspirations of Tibetan people, and when he is in Tibet and to resolve the sino tibet conflict which is there since 1959, more than 50 years have gone. It is very important for him for the sake of future of China and Tibet we should resume the dialogue between representatives of his holiness Dalai lama and Chinese govt.

China trying to show everything is good in Tibet, says government in exile

The new president of the Tibetan government-in-exile or the Central Tibetan administration Penpa Tsering has welcomed the announcement of PM Modi's call to Dalai Lama on his birthday saying it sends a message to China. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Tsering said,"we know that the Indian govt, particularly PM Modi has been wishing his Holiness Dalai Lama for many years. It is just not PM Modi, but his predecessors as well." Last week, a public announcement was made for the first time that Indian PM congratulated Dalai Lama on his birthday. This is a major departure from the past.&nbsp;

Penpa Tsering also hit out at the Chinese govt, as it attempts to eradicate "Tibetan national identity", highlighting, "loyalty of Tibetan people inside Tibet lies with his holiness Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration rather than the Chinese government." On China keen on making an announcement on next Dalai Lama, he advised that "if China is really interested in looking for reincarnation they should learn Buddhism first"

WION: What will be your key focus areas?

Penpa Tsering: One of the main focus areas is to solve the Sino-Tibet conflict through the middle way that was proposed by His Holiness Dalai Lama and approved by the Tibetan parliament-in-exile. The second focus is to look after the welfare of the Tibetan diaspora. Within that, as soon as I took over, the first issue we needed to handle was Covid cases within the Tibetan community in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. So, in terms of specific programs there is quite a number, but in terms of a larger issue that we need to handle, resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict comes first.

WION: Resolving the conflict, do you think China will be willing to resolve it, given the provocative behavior it has been engaging in?

Penpa Tsering: I think, many governments, and many communities live in denial. The issue here is that the Chinese government lives in denial that there is no Tibet issue, there is no Tibet problem or Tibet conflict. Similar was the case how they used to view the Uyghur issue, Mongolian case, or the Hong Kong case. Now all those issues have become dominant in world politics and the Tibetan issue has taken a little bit of a back seat due to the emerging situations in other parts of China.&nbsp;

But the reality is over the last 60 years, since the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the aspiration of the Tibetan people have never been met. As long as the ruler, the people who don't understand the real aspiration of the people they rule, in terms of Tibet, it is to do with Tibetan national identity, Tibetan language which came from India, Tibetan religion which came from India or the larger issues of human rights in Tibet, in China as a whole and environmental issues that concerns not only Tibet but the whole region of south and southeast Asia. These are issues that cannot be ignored.&nbsp;

Therefore we have a lot of hope and we remain positive that a sense of realization will happen in the mind of Chinese leadership that these issues, you just cannot wish away by hoping that His Holiness is now 86 and that he might die very soon, or the Tibetan issue will die because they can rule Tibetans inside with an iron hand. That wishful thinking is not going to work. I believe that Chinese leadership will have to understand the real situation inside Tibet, the policies and programs that they are implementing inside Tibet are all aimed at eradicating Tibetan national identity.&nbsp;

It will be our job to point out to the Chinese leaders that these policies and programs are not helpful for Tibetan people and the Chinese govt in long run, in the short there might be some sense of satisfaction that they have been able to repress and put force on the Tibetans to refrain them from doing certain things they don't want Tibetans to do. But in the long run, this is sure is not going to work out, over the last 60 years they have realized that the loyalty of Tibetan people inside Tibet lies with his holiness Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration rather than the Chinese government. This is also the reason that China is the only country that perhaps spent more money on internal security than external security. But we remain hopeful, if there is no hope, then there is no struggle.

WION: Indian PM called Dalai Lama and wished him over his birthday. This for the very first time made public. How do u see the development?

Penpa Tsering: I have always been saying it will be too naive on my part to advise the Indian govt as to what they should be doing. But over the last 60 years, the humanitarian support, the political support that the Indian government has extended to the Central Tibetan Administration and its people and diaspora. Therefore we remain ever grateful, but in terms of political position, his Holiness Dalai Lama used to say India is over-cautious when it comes to Tibet.&nbsp;

Now because of the certain emerging situation that has already developed over the last one or 2 years with Galwan and Doklam, there is a sense of urgency within the Indian leadership, as well as the media and the people. Lot of interest as to what is happening and how Tibet comes into play because there was no border ever before 1951 when the so-called 17 point agenda was enforced on the Tibetans through the threat of invasion by the Chinese people liberation army.&nbsp;

But at the same time, we are very very grateful and we know that the Indian govt, particularly PM Modi has been wishing His Holiness Dalai Lama for many years. It is just not PM Modi, but his predecessors as well. This time, the defense was that also because of technology PM made it public and everyone got to know that, that also sends a signal to Chinese leadership as to where the relationship between the Indian govt, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan people are today. It is a development that sends a message.&nbsp;

WION: Can we expect more communication. We know a hesitation had developed by the Indian side after Doklam, has that been dropped?

Penpa Tsering: Engagement between the Tibetans and the Indian govt has gone on for many years, as I said before also. The visibility depends on the situation. Otherwise, engagement has been very very strong, it is not something new that is going on. Now because of the developing situation, it is becoming more visible. For the Indian govt decides on how they go about it..but in our heart of heart, the mind of the mind, we know India is always there for us.

WION: India will be hosting an International Buddhist Conference, will Dalai lama will be keen to participate in it?

Penpa Tsering: The issue of religion or spirituality is not related to politics. So His Holiness devolved his political and administrative responsibilities in 2011 and since then, even now he says, you do your job, my job will be to help humanity as much as I can. His Holiness is one of the most revered Buddhist leaders in the world, naturally, all Buddhists, have a lot of respect for him and it will be ideal for His Holiness to be invited or to address such gatherings that will be good for everybody including the organizers and attendees coming from different parts of the world.&nbsp;

Wion: How do you see China, at the present time, when it has been indulging in provocative behavior. Do you think, the threat needs to be dealt with?

Penpa Tsering: China doesn't respect weakness, China respects strength, I think, India and the rest of the world community understand how China views this. So India is also showing its strength by not succumbing to Chinese belligerence. What China is doing today is completely not in tune with what china has been saying. The Chinese leadership has been saying harmonious international relations, relations with its neighbors, within its people, but what they are saying and what they are doing are 2 different things.&nbsp;

Unprovoked provocation through belligerent moves cannot sustain China's respectability. China has military power, China has political power, China has economic power, but the only thing they lack is moral power. The only way they can win moral power is by being friendly with its neighbors, India or the countries around the South China Sea or East Asia, Europe, or the US. You cannot be friends by being violent with them, the only way u can win friends and also trust is by having cordial relations, relations that benefit the country and the people of all the country. This is not happening right now. I have been saying China is not on the right track.

WION: China is very keen to appoint the next Dalai Lama, take the leadership of Buddhism, your views?

Penpa Tsering: Everybody knows what China does particularly when it comes to religion, is to control organised groups which they perceive as a guest. But religious matters are purely religious matters, spirituality is dependent on an Individual's choice, not the govt's choice. And Communist govt which does not belives in religion, cannot change the landscape of religion.&nbsp;

So therefore whatever China does, everybody knows in the world, they will be doing it only for political gains, or for political purposes. The influence of His Holiness Dalai Lama has expanded over many years and decades around the world, and it is not dependent on Tibetan people, His Holiness has followers in the Himalayan region, in the republics of Russia, in Mongolia, South East Asia, all over the world. When it comes to looking for the 15th Dalai Lama, then this purely a religious matter and I have always been saying if China is really interested in looking for reincarnation they should learn Buddhism first and His Holiness had also said in jest that if Chinese govt is really serious, they should look for Mao Zedong's reincarnation first, Deng Xiaoping second then maybe Dalai Lama's.&nbsp;

Now there is a paradox, an irony, when the journalist who went to Tibet, they found portraits of Xi Jinping everywhere, from monasteries to the office building. It sounds like Xi Jinping also wants to be recognized as a Lama, that is one Tibetan who was indoctrinated to say that has been saying, again sarcastically that Xi Jinping is our guru. But that does help, just a physical facade doesn't help, there should be a deeper understanding of what religion means for reincarnation. For reincarnation, one should believe in life after death. When you yourself don't believe in the concept of life after death, why you want to interfere in a person's rebirth. We all know, it is for political reasons, but that is not going to work. What has happened with their own selection of Panchen Lama has gained respect from the Tibetan people, leave alone the rest of the world. &nbsp;

Wion: On the issue of Chinese transparency when it comes to the Covid crisis, or the origin of Covid, your views? views on China vis-a-vis the Covid crisis?

Penpa Tsering: This is a common trait of the Communist party, whenever they make a statement based on lies, build lies upon lies, and say it 100 times and they believe lies will also become truth. Unfortunately, that is not how it works today. Maybe they can control the media and information flow within China, it is not possible to control media flow outside. So I am not a scientist, how it originated, how it spread, but there is definitely a general understand that China has not been transparent from the beginning, not just with the pandemic.&nbsp;

It is just not SARS or COVID-19 that was bungled in the beginning or initial stage, it applies to all levels from political or religious or financial. Nobody tends to believe China because they are not being truthful, without trust you cannot build a real friendship and China has to learn lessons from the past and make sure they become more accountable to the world community. Everyone expects China to change but they always come, from religion or market economy with Chinese characteristics. So far they got away with it, in long run it won't work.&nbsp;

The new president of the Tibetan government-in-exile or the Central Tibetan administration Penpa Tsering has welcomed the announcement of PM Modi's call to Dalai Lama on his birthday saying it sends a message to China.

The new president of the Tibetan government-in-exile or the Central Tibetan administration Penpa Tsering has welcomed the announcement of PM Modi's call to Dalai Lama on his birthday saying it sends a message to China. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Tsering said,"we know that the Indian govt, particularly PM Modi has been wishing his Holiness Dalai Lama for many years. It is just not PM Modi, but his predecessors as well." Last week, a public announcement was made for the first time that Indian PM congratulated Dalai Lama on his birthday. This is a major departure from the past. Penpa Tsering also hit out at the Chinese govt, as it attempts to eradicate "Tibetan national identity", highlighting, "loyalty of Tibetan people inside Tibet lies with his holiness Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration rather than the Chinese government." On China keen on making an announcement on next Dalai Lama, he advised that "if China is really interested in looking for reincarnation they should learn Buddhism first" WION: What will be your key focus areas? Penpa Tsering: One of the main focus areas is to solve the Sino-Tibet conflict through the middle way that was proposed by His Holiness Dalai Lama and approved by the Tibetan parliament-in-exile. The second focus is to look after the welfare of the Tibetan diaspora. Within that, as soon as I took over, the first issue we needed to handle was Covid cases within the Tibetan community in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. So, in terms of specific programs there is quite a number, but in terms of a larger issue that we need to handle, resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict comes first. WION: Resolving the conflict, do you think China will be willing to resolve it, given the provocative behavior it has been engaging in? Penpa Tsering: I think, many governments, and many communities live in denial. The issue here is that the Chinese government lives in denial that there is no Tibet issue, there is no Tibet problem or Tibet conflict. Similar was the case how they used to view the Uyghur issue, Mongolian case, or the Hong Kong case. Now all those issues have become dominant in world politics and the Tibetan issue has taken a little bit of a back seat due to the emerging situations in other parts of China. But the reality is over the last 60 years, since the Chinese occupation of Tibet, the aspiration of the Tibetan people have never been met. As long as the ruler, the people who don't understand the real aspiration of the people they rule, in terms of Tibet, it is to do with Tibetan national identity, Tibetan language which came from India, Tibetan religion which came from India or the larger issues of human rights in Tibet, in China as a whole and environmental issues that concerns not only Tibet but the whole region of south and southeast Asia. These are issues that cannot be ignored. Therefore we have a lot of hope and we remain positive that a sense of realization will happen in the mind of Chinese leadership that these issues, you just cannot wish away by hoping that His Holiness is now 86 and that he might die very soon, or the Tibetan issue will die because they can rule Tibetans inside with an iron hand. That wishful thinking is not going to work. I believe that Chinese leadership will have to understand the real situation inside Tibet, the policies and programs that they are implementing inside Tibet are all aimed at eradicating Tibetan national identity. It will be our job to point out to the Chinese leaders that these policies and programs are not helpful for Tibetan people and the Chinese govt in long run, in the short there might be some sense of satisfaction that they have been able to repress and put force on the Tibetans to refrain them from doing certain things they don't want Tibetans to do. But in the long run, this is sure is not going to work out, over the last 60 years they have realized that the loyalty of Tibetan people inside Tibet lies with his holiness Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration rather than the Chinese government. This is also the reason that China is the only country that perhaps spent more money on internal security than external security. But we remain hopeful, if there is no hope, then there is no struggle. WION: Indian PM called Dalai Lama and wished him over his birthday. This for the very first time made public. How do u see the development? Penpa Tsering: I have always been saying it will be too naive on my part to advise the Indian govt as to what they should be doing. But over the last 60 years, the humanitarian support, the political support that the Indian government has extended to the Central Tibetan Administration and its people and diaspora. Therefore we remain ever grateful, but in terms of political position, his Holiness Dalai Lama used to say India is over-cautious when it comes to Tibet. Now because of the certain emerging situation that has already developed over the last one or 2 years with Galwan and Doklam, there is a sense of urgency within the Indian leadership, as well as the media and the people. Lot of interest as to what is happening and how Tibet comes into play because there was no border ever before 1951 when the so-called 17 point agenda was enforced on the Tibetans through the threat of invasion by the Chinese people liberation army. But at the same time, we are very very grateful and we know that the Indian govt, particularly PM Modi has been wishing His Holiness Dalai Lama for many years. It is just not PM Modi, but his predecessors as well. This time, the defense was that also because of technology PM made it public and everyone got to know that, that also sends a signal to Chinese leadership as to where the relationship between the Indian govt, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the Tibetan people are today. It is a development that sends a message. WION: Can we expect more communication. We know a hesitation had developed by the Indian side after Doklam, has that been dropped? Penpa Tsering: Engagement between the Tibetans and the Indian govt has gone on for many years, as I said before also. The visibility depends on the situation. Otherwise, engagement has been very very strong, it is not something new that is going on. Now because of the developing situation, it is becoming more visible. For the Indian govt decides on how they go about it..but in our heart of heart, the mind of the mind, we know India is always there for us. WION: India will be hosting an International Buddhist Conference, will Dalai lama will be keen to participate in it? Penpa Tsering: The issue of religion or spirituality is not related to politics. So His Holiness devolved his political and administrative responsibilities in 2011 and since then, even now he says, you do your job, my job will be to help humanity as much as I can. His Holiness is one of the most revered Buddhist leaders in the world, naturally, all Buddhists, have a lot of respect for him and it will be ideal for His Holiness to be invited or to address such gatherings that will be good for everybody including the organizers and attendees coming from different parts of the world. Wion: How do you see China, at the present time, when it has been indulging in provocative behavior. Do you think, the threat needs to be dealt with? Penpa Tsering: China doesn't respect weakness, China respects strength, I think, India and the rest of the world community understand how China views this. So India is also showing its strength by not succumbing to Chinese belligerence. What China is doing today is completely not in tune with what china has been saying. The Chinese leadership has been saying harmonious international relations, relations with its neighbors, within its people, but what they are saying and what they are doing are 2 different things. Unprovoked provocation through belligerent moves cannot sustain China's respectability. China has military power, China has political power, China has economic power, but the only thing they lack is moral power. The only way they can win moral power is by being friendly with its neighbors, India or the countries around the South China Sea or East Asia, Europe, or the US. You cannot be friends by being violent with them, the only way u can win friends and also trust is by having cordial relations, relations that benefit the country and the people of all the country. This is not happening right now. I have been saying China is not on the right track. WION: China is very keen to appoint the next Dalai Lama, take the leadership of Buddhism, your views? Penpa Tsering: Everybody knows what China does particularly when it comes to religion, is to control organised groups which they perceive as a guest. But religious matters are purely religious matters, spirituality is dependent on an Individual's choice, not the govt's choice. And Communist govt which does not belives in religion, cannot change the landscape of religion. So therefore whatever China does, everybody knows in the world, they will be doing it only for political gains, or for political purposes. The influence of His Holiness Dalai Lama has expanded over many years and decades around the world, and it is not dependent on Tibetan people, His Holiness has followers in the Himalayan region, in the republics of Russia, in Mongolia, South East Asia, all over the world. When it comes to looking for the 15th Dalai Lama, then this purely a religious matter and I have always been saying if China is really interested in looking for reincarnation they should learn Buddhism first and His Holiness had also said in jest that if Chinese govt is really serious, they should look for Mao Zedong's reincarnation first, Deng Xiaoping second then maybe Dalai Lama's. Now there is a paradox, an irony, when the journalist who went to Tibet, they found portraits of Xi Jinping everywhere, from monasteries to the office building. It sounds like Xi Jinping also wants to be recognized as a Lama, that is one Tibetan who was indoctrinated to say that has been saying, again sarcastically that Xi Jinping is our guru. But that does help, just a physical facade doesn't help, there should be a deeper understanding of what religion means for reincarnation. For reincarnation, one should believe in life after death. When you yourself don't believe in the concept of life after death, why you want to interfere in a person's rebirth. We all know, it is for political reasons, but that is not going to work. What has happened with their own selection of Panchen Lama has gained respect from the Tibetan people, leave alone the rest of the world. Wion: On the issue of Chinese transparency when it comes to the Covid crisis, or the origin of Covid, your views? views on China vis-a-vis the Covid crisis? Penpa Tsering: This is a common trait of the Communist party, whenever they make a statement based on lies, build lies upon lies, and say it 100 times and they believe lies will also become truth. Unfortunately, that is not how it works today. Maybe they can control the media and information flow within China, it is not possible to control media flow outside. So I am not a scientist, how it originated, how it spread, but there is definitely a general understand that China has not been transparent from the beginning, not just with the pandemic. It is just not SARS or COVID-19 that was bungled in the beginning or initial stage, it applies to all levels from political or religious or financial. Nobody tends to believe China because they are not being truthful, without trust you cannot build a real friendship and China has to learn lessons from the past and make sure they become more accountable to the world community. Everyone expects China to change but they always come, from religion or market economy with Chinese characteristics. So far they got away with it, in long run it won't work.

PM Modi's call to Dalai Lama sends a message to China, says Penpa Tsering, President of Tibetan govt-in-exile

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has thanked&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wishing him on his birthday.

Lama posted a&nbsp;video message in which he expressed his gratitude towards everyone wished him saying&nbsp;"Many of my friends expressed&nbsp;happy birthday. Here I want to take this opportunity to express to those people, my thanks."

"I want to thank my long time supporters and friends, and then many other people including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many ministers and also chief ministers and a number of my Indian friends," he added.

Dalai Lama who had to left Tibet after the Chinese occupation in the 1950s said, "They sincerely expressed their&nbsp;congratulations&nbsp;on my birthday. So I very much appreciate this friendly expression."

On Tuesday, in a departure from the past, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday. &nbsp;In a tweet from his handle, he said, "Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday" and "We wish him a long and healthy life."&nbsp;

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Spoke on phone to His Holiness the <a href="https://twitter.com/DalaiLama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalaiLama</a> to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1412310494870913032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While in the past Indian PM Modi has been congratulating Dalai Lama on his birthday, but never an announcement has been made, largely due to Chinese sensitivities. The announcement is seen as a message to Beijing even as China continues with provocative behavior at the Line of actual control in Ladakh.

Other political leaders in India have also wished Dalai Lama on his birthday. These are Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, from the Indian Cabinet-- Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wishing him on his birthday. Lama posted a video message in which he expressed his gratitude towards everyone wished him saying "Many of my friends expressed happy birthday.

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for wishing him on his birthday. Lama posted a video message in which he expressed his gratitude towards everyone wished him saying "Many of my friends expressed happy birthday. Here I want to take this opportunity to express to those people, my thanks." "I want to thank my long time supporters and friends, and then many other people including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and many ministers and also chief ministers and a number of my Indian friends," he added. Dalai Lama who had to left Tibet after the Chinese occupation in the 1950s said, "They sincerely expressed their congratulations on my birthday. So I very much appreciate this friendly expression." On Tuesday, in a departure from the past, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday. In a tweet from his handle, he said, "Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday" and "We wish him a long and healthy life." Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2021 × While in the past Indian PM Modi has been congratulating Dalai Lama on his birthday, but never an announcement has been made, largely due to Chinese sensitivities. The announcement is seen as a message to Beijing even as China continues with provocative behavior at the Line of actual control in Ladakh. Other political leaders in India have also wished Dalai Lama on his birthday. These are Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal, from the Indian Cabinet-- Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari, Aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Dalai Lama thanks Indian PM Modi for birthday wishes

For the first time in years, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly greeted The Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday. With China stepping up its troop deployments, is India ready to finally play the Tibet card?

Gravitas: Prime Minister Modi wishes Dalai Lama: The Message for China

What is the Dalai Lama for India? A strategic asset or a liability? For decades, successive governments have shied from using the Tibetan cause to gain leverage over China.

Gravitas: The Dalai Lama: Asset or Liability?

The US on Tuesday greeted Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday as his supporters announced plans to establish a library in his honour in New York. 
 
"I am delighted to extend warm wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 86th birthday on July 6. His Holiness is an inspiration to many around the world who are drawn to his messages of compassion, equality, and inclusivity, " Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said. 
 
"I have deep respect and appreciation for His Holiness’ grace, wisdom, and humility, as well as his dedication to greater global equality and the equal rights of all people, including his fellow Tibetans. I wish His Holiness the very best, " he added. 
 
On the occasion of his 86th birthday, Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, New York announced the launch of a $5 million public fundraising campaign to build a Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre. 
 
"Today we wish a happy birthday to his holiness the Dalai Lama, whose grace and compassion have served as an inspiration to all of us," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference. 
 
"We commend his dedication to the global Tibetan community and to all those around the world who share in his important message of peace and kindness and his commitment to equality and, importantly, to human dignity. We join all of those in wishing His Holiness many more years to come, " Price said. 
 
Tenzin Choesang, the president of Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, said he is seeking support from donors for a project of great benefit to all of humanity - building the Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre. 
 
"Our vision – one that is supported and shared by the Dalai Lama – is to encourage genuine human interconnection and unity in an increasingly divided world. The Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre will do this by creating a transformational hub of compassionate and humane education that is open to everyone, both in-person and online, " he said in a statement. 
 
According to the monastery, the Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre will span 9,240 square feet and will serve as a repository for all the work of the current and previous Dalai Lamas, and a place for study and exploration for the public, including students, scholars, spiritual, civic and business leaders, and practitioners of all faiths. 
 
The Learning Centre will be a physical space as well as a virtual destination (via its robust website) for people across North America and the world, offering free and low-cost programmes.

The US on Tuesday greeted Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday as his supporters announced plans to establish a library in his honour in New York.

The US on Tuesday greeted Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday as his supporters announced plans to establish a library in his honour in New York. "I am delighted to extend warm wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on the occasion of his 86th birthday on July 6. His Holiness is an inspiration to many around the world who are drawn to his messages of compassion, equality, and inclusivity, " Secretary of State Antony J Blinken said. "I have deep respect and appreciation for His Holiness’ grace, wisdom, and humility, as well as his dedication to greater global equality and the equal rights of all people, including his fellow Tibetans. I wish His Holiness the very best, " he added. On the occasion of his 86th birthday, Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, New York announced the launch of a $5 million public fundraising campaign to build a Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre. "Today we wish a happy birthday to his holiness the Dalai Lama, whose grace and compassion have served as an inspiration to all of us," State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at his daily news conference. "We commend his dedication to the global Tibetan community and to all those around the world who share in his important message of peace and kindness and his commitment to equality and, importantly, to human dignity. We join all of those in wishing His Holiness many more years to come, " Price said. Tenzin Choesang, the president of Namgyal Monastery in Ithaca, said he is seeking support from donors for a project of great benefit to all of humanity - building the Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre. "Our vision – one that is supported and shared by the Dalai Lama – is to encourage genuine human interconnection and unity in an increasingly divided world. The Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre will do this by creating a transformational hub of compassionate and humane education that is open to everyone, both in-person and online, " he said in a statement. According to the monastery, the Dalai Lama Library and Learning Centre will span 9,240 square feet and will serve as a repository for all the work of the current and previous Dalai Lamas, and a place for study and exploration for the public, including students, scholars, spiritual, civic and business leaders, and practitioners of all faiths. The Learning Centre will be a physical space as well as a virtual destination (via its robust website) for people across North America and the world, offering free and low-cost programmes.

US greets Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday

PM Modi has issued public messages of greetings to the Dalai Lama in the past, but had not done so for several years, nor had other senior figures from his ruling BJP party.

India: PM Modi phones Dalai Lama on his 86th birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (July 6, 2021) spoke to Dalai Lama over phone and wished the Tibetan spiritual leader on his 86th birthday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news through his official Twitter account.

The Prime Minister said, "Spoke on phone to His Holiness Dalai Lama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life."

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Spoke on phone to His Holiness the <a href="https://twitter.com/DalaiLama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalaiLama</a> to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1412310494870913032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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This, notably, is a very significant development as for the first time a public announcement has come on PM Modi's call to Dalai Lama on his birthday. No such public announcements were made in 2017 during the Doklam crisis or during the Galwan stand-off in 2020.&nbsp;

However, during his days as the chief minister of Gujarat, PM Modi used to regularly wish Dalai Lama.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has been living in India for more than six decades now.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, he acknowledged how India's freedom and religious harmony have served him. In a virtual address from his residence in Dharamshala, the Tibetan spiritual leader said, "Since I became a refugee and settled in India, I have taken full advantage of India's freedom and religious harmony. I want to assure you that for the rest of my life, I am committed to reviving ancient Indian knowledge."&nbsp;

"I really appreciate the Indian concept of secular values, not dependent on religion, such as honesty, karuna (compassion) and ahimsa (non-violence)," he added. 
&nbsp;

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HHDL’s message on the occasion of his 86th birthday on July 6, 2021. <a href="https://t.co/RBJQ8y8RaM">https://t.co/RBJQ8y8RaM</a>
— Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) <a href="https://twitter.com/DalaiLama/status/1412207105868632084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The development, on expected lines, will be keenly watched by China. China in the past has come up with strong comments if anything related to Tibet, Taiwan, atrocities in Xinjiang has been raised but that has only been counterproductive with these issues gathering more focus globally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (July 6, 2021) spoke to Dalai Lama over phone and wished the Tibetan spiritual leader on his 86th birthday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news through his official Twitter account.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (July 6, 2021) spoke to Dalai Lama over phone and wished the Tibetan spiritual leader on his 86th birthday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the news through his official Twitter account. The Prime Minister said, "Spoke on phone to His Holiness Dalai Lama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life." Spoke on phone to His Holiness the @DalaiLama to convey greetings on his 86th birthday. We wish him a long and healthy life. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2021 × This, notably, is a very significant development as for the first time a public announcement has come on PM Modi's call to Dalai Lama on his birthday. No such public announcements were made in 2017 during the Doklam crisis or during the Galwan stand-off in 2020. However, during his days as the chief minister of Gujarat, PM Modi used to regularly wish Dalai Lama. The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has been living in India for more than six decades now. Earlier in the day, he acknowledged how India's freedom and religious harmony have served him. In a virtual address from his residence in Dharamshala, the Tibetan spiritual leader said, "Since I became a refugee and settled in India, I have taken full advantage of India's freedom and religious harmony. I want to assure you that for the rest of my life, I am committed to reviving ancient Indian knowledge." "I really appreciate the Indian concept of secular values, not dependent on religion, such as honesty, karuna (compassion) and ahimsa (non-violence)," he added. HHDL’s message on the occasion of his 86th birthday on July 6, 2021. https://t.co/RBJQ8y8RaM — Dalai Lama (@DalaiLama) July 6, 2021 × The development, on expected lines, will be keenly watched by China. China in the past has come up with strong comments if anything related to Tibet, Taiwan, atrocities in Xinjiang has been raised but that has only been counterproductive with these issues gathering more focus globally.

PM Narendra Modi dials Dalai Lama, wishes him on his birthday

Under clear blue skies, rugged peaks and the spectacular Potala Palace, one image is ubiquitous in Tibet's capital city Lhasa: portraits of Chinese President Xi Jinping and fellow leaders. 
 
In a rare and tightly chaperoned government tour of the region last week, a Reuters journalist saw the portraits in classrooms, streets, religious institutions, houses, and the bedroom of a Buddhist monk. 
 
More than a dozen other reporters were also on the trip. 
 
China is broadening a political education campaign as it celebrates the 70th anniversary of its control over Tibet. 
 
Chinese officials say the campaign is key to the future of Tibet, a region which makes up over 12% of China's land mass but is home to just 3.5 million people, mostly ethnic Tibetans. 
 
Civilians and religious figures who the government arranged to be interviewed on the five-day trip pledged loyalty to the Communist Party and Xi. 
 
Asked who his spiritual leader was, a monk at Lhasa's historic Jokhang temple named Xi. 
 
"I'm not drunk ... I speak freely to you," said the monk named Lhakpa, speaking from a courtyard overlooked by security cameras and government observers. 
 
The portraits of Xi were visible at almost all sites visited by Reuters during the trip to Tibet, where journalists are banned from entering outside of such tours. It was not clear when the posters and flags were put up. 
 
"The posters coincide with a massive political education programme which is called 'feeling gratitude to the party' education," said Robert Barnett, a Tibetan studies veteran scholar at the University of London`s School of Oriental and African Studies. 
 
China's foreign ministry said: "Tibet`s economy and society has made great achievements under the care of China's central government and the strong support of every Chinese person. 
 
"The right to religious freedom of all ethnic groups in Tibet are protected by the Constitution and the law." 
 
During the visit, government officials suggested that such images, along with small Chinese flags that lined many city streets, were a sign of the "patriotic feeling" in Tibet. 
 
Beijing says it "peacefully liberated" Tibet in 1951, after Chinese troops entered the then-country and took over its administration. 
 
The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and has since established a government in exile based in Dharamsala, India. 
 
Beijing has labeled him a dangerous separatist and has said when he passes away the government will select its own successor. 
 
Reuters did not see any images of the Dalai Lama, previously common in homes throughout Tibet, on the trip from May 31 to June 5. 
 
Photos of the spiritual leader are now strictly banned, according to rights groups and Tibetans who have since left the region. 
 
The foreign ministry repeated China`s position that the Dalai Lama was "attempting to separate Tibet from China." 
 
"Since Dalai defected, he has not done anything good for the Tibetan people," said Fan Chunwen, the secretary for Tibet’s Department of Education. 
 
In Tibet's College of Buddhism, a major religious training school on the outskirts of Lhasa, Chinese flags flew atop temples and images of Xi featured prominently in every dorm and classroom visited by Reuters. 
 
"We are under the leadership of the Communist Party now, of course, we must learn about politics," said Kelsang Wandui, vice director of the college. 
 
Around 40% of the school's study programme was dedicated to political and cultural education, Wandui said, adding the monks will celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Communist Party on July 1. 
 
The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the name of the exiled Tibetan government which oversees up to 150,000 Tibetans in exile, said the "political re-education campaign has been reinvigorated to Sinicize Tibet." 
 
Beijing has consistently strongly denied any accusations of rights abuses in Tibet, and says people in China are free to practice approved religions, including Buddhism. 
 
In a Lhasa high school political ideology class visited by Reuters, a teacher preached the benefits of China`s policy in Tibet and led them in chants of agreement. 
 
"Our young people must cherish the party, listen to the party and be guided by the party and be loyal to our beautiful new Tibet," said Wang Zhen, Director of the Department of Education in Tibet.

Under clear blue skies, rugged peaks and the spectacular Potala Palace, one image is ubiquitous in Tibet's capital city Lhasa: portraits of Chinese President Xi Jinping and fellow leaders.

Under clear blue skies, rugged peaks and the spectacular Potala Palace, one image is ubiquitous in Tibet's capital city Lhasa: portraits of Chinese President Xi Jinping and fellow leaders. In a rare and tightly chaperoned government tour of the region last week, a Reuters journalist saw the portraits in classrooms, streets, religious institutions, houses, and the bedroom of a Buddhist monk. More than a dozen other reporters were also on the trip. China is broadening a political education campaign as it celebrates the 70th anniversary of its control over Tibet. Chinese officials say the campaign is key to the future of Tibet, a region which makes up over 12% of China's land mass but is home to just 3.5 million people, mostly ethnic Tibetans. Civilians and religious figures who the government arranged to be interviewed on the five-day trip pledged loyalty to the Communist Party and Xi. Asked who his spiritual leader was, a monk at Lhasa's historic Jokhang temple named Xi. "I'm not drunk ... I speak freely to you," said the monk named Lhakpa, speaking from a courtyard overlooked by security cameras and government observers. The portraits of Xi were visible at almost all sites visited by Reuters during the trip to Tibet, where journalists are banned from entering outside of such tours. It was not clear when the posters and flags were put up. "The posters coincide with a massive political education programme which is called 'feeling gratitude to the party' education," said Robert Barnett, a Tibetan studies veteran scholar at the University of London`s School of Oriental and African Studies. China's foreign ministry said: "Tibet`s economy and society has made great achievements under the care of China's central government and the strong support of every Chinese person. "The right to religious freedom of all ethnic groups in Tibet are protected by the Constitution and the law." During the visit, government officials suggested that such images, along with small Chinese flags that lined many city streets, were a sign of the "patriotic feeling" in Tibet. Beijing says it "peacefully liberated" Tibet in 1951, after Chinese troops entered the then-country and took over its administration. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, fled Tibet in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule, and has since established a government in exile based in Dharamsala, India. Beijing has labeled him a dangerous separatist and has said when he passes away the government will select its own successor. Reuters did not see any images of the Dalai Lama, previously common in homes throughout Tibet, on the trip from May 31 to June 5. Photos of the spiritual leader are now strictly banned, according to rights groups and Tibetans who have since left the region. The foreign ministry repeated China`s position that the Dalai Lama was "attempting to separate Tibet from China." "Since Dalai defected, he has not done anything good for the Tibetan people," said Fan Chunwen, the secretary for Tibet’s Department of Education. In Tibet's College of Buddhism, a major religious training school on the outskirts of Lhasa, Chinese flags flew atop temples and images of Xi featured prominently in every dorm and classroom visited by Reuters. "We are under the leadership of the Communist Party now, of course, we must learn about politics," said Kelsang Wandui, vice director of the college. Around 40% of the school's study programme was dedicated to political and cultural education, Wandui said, adding the monks will celebrate the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Communist Party on July 1. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the name of the exiled Tibetan government which oversees up to 150,000 Tibetans in exile, said the "political re-education campaign has been reinvigorated to Sinicize Tibet." Beijing has consistently strongly denied any accusations of rights abuses in Tibet, and says people in China are free to practice approved religions, including Buddhism. In a Lhasa high school political ideology class visited by Reuters, a teacher preached the benefits of China`s policy in Tibet and led them in chants of agreement. "Our young people must cherish the party, listen to the party and be guided by the party and be loyal to our beautiful new Tibet," said Wang Zhen, Director of the Department of Education in Tibet.

'Xi Jinping is my spiritual leader': China's education drive in Tibet

Newly elected members of Dharamshala-based 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile conducted an oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday.

One of the senior-most members, Dawa Tsering first took oath as Protem/Interim Speaker in front of the Chief Justice Commissioner, Sonam Dagpo and then other MPs followed.

All the proceedings were kept indoors and they did not allow any media to cover the oath ceremony due to COVID-19 protocol.

Dolma Tsering, an MP, said, "There is a lot of enthusiasm, we have lots of newcomers, new faces with new zeal and new ambition and a new vision. So, we're looking forward to work with them and their contribution towards the community."

Mgyur Dorjee, another MP, said, "It is an oath-taking day today and we have taken our oath under the charter 47 and details will come out very soon. Everything was indoors because of Covid protocol and we had to follow the procedure as prescribed by the government of Himachal Pradesh and we strictly followed it."

Lobsang, a new member of Tibetan parliament-in-exile, said, "I feel very proud today that I was able to take oath in front of the Interim Speaker and my objective is to look at as an expert in technology...as a technologist, I think this is something that I can bring to the parliament. Everything is indoors and there are not more than five members in each room and we are following the norms of COVID-19 protocol."

All the members are also expected to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker later today.

Dolma Tsering and Sonam Temphel are contesting for the election of Speaker whereas four candidates, Namgyal Dolkar, Yudon Aukatsang, Migyur Dorjee and Karma Gelek, are participating in the race of Deputy Speaker.

Penpa Tsering is the newly elected President of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Tibet is ruled by the Chinese Communist Party government based in Beijing, with local decision-making power concentrated in the hands of Chinese party officials.

Tibet was a sovereign state before China's invasion in 1950 when the People's Liberation Army entered northern Tibet.

Newly elected members of Dharamshala-based 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile conducted an oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday. One of the senior-most members, Dawa Tsering first took oath as Protem/Interim Speaker in front of the Chief Justice Commissioner, Sonam Dagpo and then other MPs followed.

Newly elected members of Dharamshala-based 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile conducted an oath-taking ceremony on Wednesday. One of the senior-most members, Dawa Tsering first took oath as Protem/Interim Speaker in front of the Chief Justice Commissioner, Sonam Dagpo and then other MPs followed. All the proceedings were kept indoors and they did not allow any media to cover the oath ceremony due to COVID-19 protocol. Dolma Tsering, an MP, said, "There is a lot of enthusiasm, we have lots of newcomers, new faces with new zeal and new ambition and a new vision. So, we're looking forward to work with them and their contribution towards the community." Mgyur Dorjee, another MP, said, "It is an oath-taking day today and we have taken our oath under the charter 47 and details will come out very soon. Everything was indoors because of Covid protocol and we had to follow the procedure as prescribed by the government of Himachal Pradesh and we strictly followed it." Lobsang, a new member of Tibetan parliament-in-exile, said, "I feel very proud today that I was able to take oath in front of the Interim Speaker and my objective is to look at as an expert in technology...as a technologist, I think this is something that I can bring to the parliament. Everything is indoors and there are not more than five members in each room and we are following the norms of COVID-19 protocol." All the members are also expected to elect Speaker and Deputy Speaker later today. Dolma Tsering and Sonam Temphel are contesting for the election of Speaker whereas four candidates, Namgyal Dolkar, Yudon Aukatsang, Migyur Dorjee and Karma Gelek, are participating in the race of Deputy Speaker. Penpa Tsering is the newly elected President of the Tibetan government-in-exile. Tibet is ruled by the Chinese Communist Party government based in Beijing, with local decision-making power concentrated in the hands of Chinese party officials. Tibet was a sovereign state before China's invasion in 1950 when the People's Liberation Army entered northern Tibet.

Newly elected members of 17th Tibetan parliament-in-exile take oath

For the world, he's a 'spiritual superstar', for China he's a 'separatist'. But who is the Dalai Lama really? Why does his reincarnation matter? On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma deconstructs the coming fight for Dalai Lama's soul.

Gravitas Plus: The battle for Dalai Lama's soul

China on Friday said that any successor to the present Dalai Lama should be approved by it, ruling out recognition to any heir nominated by him or by his followers.

The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and other grand Living Buddhas has been subjected to approval by the central government since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), claimed an official white paper issued by the Chinese government here.

The document has also asserted that Tibet was an inseparable part of China since ancient times.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-have-copyright-over-dalai-lama-reincarnation-tibetan-govt-in-exile-prez-374995">We have copyright over Dalai Lama reincarnation: Tibetan govt-in-exile prez</a>

"In 1793, after dispelling Gurkha invaders, the Qing government restored order in Tibet and promulgated the Imperially Approved Ordinance for Better Governance of Tibet, improving systems by which the central government-administered Tibet," the white paper titled 'Tibet Since 1951: Liberation, Development and Prosperity," said.

The ordinance stipulated that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and other grand Living Buddhas had to follow the procedure of "drawing lots from the golden urn" and that the selected candidate would be subject to approval by the central government of China, the document said.

The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a Chinese crackdown on an uprising by the local population in Tibet. India granted him political asylum and the Tibetan government-in-exile has been based in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh since then.

The Dalai Lama is 85 years old now and the issue of his successor has gained prominence in the last couple of years due to his advanced age.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-government-should-have-no-role-in-succession-process-of-the-dalai-lama-us-369303">Chinese government should have no role in succession process of the Dalai Lama: US</a>

The Dalai Lama's succession issue was in the limelight, especially in the last few years after the US has stepped up campaign that the right relating to the reincarnation of Dalai Lama's successor should be within the exclusive authority of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people.

The Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 (TPSA) passed by the US Congress makes it official United States policy that decisions regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama are exclusively within the authority of the current Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhist leaders and the Tibetan people.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-passes-new-tibet-law-on-the-next-dalai-lama-infuriates-china-351594">US Congress passes new Tibet law on the next Dalai Lama; infuriates China</a>

Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have been asserting time and again that while the institution of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has been in existence for several hundred years, the 14th (present) Dalai Lama himself was found and recognised following religious rituals and historic conventions, and his succession was approved by China's central government.

The white paper said by 2020, a total of 92 reincarnated Living Buddhas had been identified and approved through traditional religious rituals and historical conventions for temples in Tibet.

Traditional religious activities are carried out regularly in accordance with the law and examination on scriptures and subsequent promotion in academic degrees are also held in monasteries on a regular basis, it said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-wants-to-control-tibet-major-power-struggle-expected-after-demise-of-14th-dalai-lama-report-353319">China wants to control Tibet, major power struggle expected after demise of 14th Dalai Lama: Report</a>

The white paper termed the demand for Tibetan independence as a product of imperialist aggression against China. 
In the middle of the 19th century, the UK-led imperialist powers began to cultivate the idea of "Tibet independence," intentionally undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said.

It slammed the Dalai Lama group for promoting "Tibetan independence".

"Over the years, the 14th Dalai Lama and his supporters have continued to try to promote "Tibetan independence" by provoking incidents to jeopardise peace and stability in Tibet," it said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explainer-why-china-wants-control-over-dalai-lama-353034">Explainer: Why China wants control over Dalai Lama?</a>

After the failure of their armed rebellion in 1959, the reactionaries of Tibet's ruling class fled to India and subsequently began to campaign for "Tibetan independence" by force", it said.

No country or government in the world has ever acknowledged the "independence of Tibet," it said.

China makes it mandatory to adhere to the 'One China' policy, recognising Tibet and Taiwan as an integral part of the country.

Beijing made the 'One-China' policy a prerequisite for countries to establish diplomatic ties with it.

About the incidents of over 100 Tibetans setting themselves on fire since 2011 demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from his exile, the white paper said the Dalai Lama and his supporters have incited Tibetan lamas into self-immolations. 
It also blamed the western anti-China forces for continuing to interfere in Tibetan affairs in an attempt to sabotage its social stability.

Justifying China's taking over of Tibet in 1951, it said with the peaceful liberation of Tibet 70 years ago, the people of Tibet broke free from the fetters of invading imperialism for good and embarked on a bright road of unity, progress and development with all the other ethnic groups in China.

China is a unified multi-ethnic country with a long history. The Chinese nation is a community of shared future. Tibet has developed through the combined efforts of all the ethnic groups in China, it said.

Rejecting allegations of curbs on religion, it said the province has more than 1,700 sites for Tibetan Buddhist activities with 46,000 monks and nuns besides four mosques serving 12,000 native Muslims, and a Catholic church with more than 700 followers, it said.

China on Friday said that any successor to the present Dalai Lama should be approved by it, ruling out recognition to any heir nominated by him or by his followers.

China on Friday said that any successor to the present Dalai Lama should be approved by it, ruling out recognition to any heir nominated by him or by his followers. The reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and other grand Living Buddhas has been subjected to approval by the central government since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), claimed an official white paper issued by the Chinese government here. The document has also asserted that Tibet was an inseparable part of China since ancient times. Also Read | We have copyright over Dalai Lama reincarnation: Tibetan govt-in-exile prez "In 1793, after dispelling Gurkha invaders, the Qing government restored order in Tibet and promulgated the Imperially Approved Ordinance for Better Governance of Tibet, improving systems by which the central government-administered Tibet," the white paper titled 'Tibet Since 1951: Liberation, Development and Prosperity," said. The ordinance stipulated that the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and other grand Living Buddhas had to follow the procedure of "drawing lots from the golden urn" and that the selected candidate would be subject to approval by the central government of China, the document said. The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 following a Chinese crackdown on an uprising by the local population in Tibet. India granted him political asylum and the Tibetan government-in-exile has been based in Dharamsala in Himachal Pradesh since then. The Dalai Lama is 85 years old now and the issue of his successor has gained prominence in the last couple of years due to his advanced age. Also Read | Chinese government should have no role in succession process of the Dalai Lama: US The Dalai Lama's succession issue was in the limelight, especially in the last few years after the US has stepped up campaign that the right relating to the reincarnation of Dalai Lama's successor should be within the exclusive authority of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people. The Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 (TPSA) passed by the US Congress makes it official United States policy that decisions regarding the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama are exclusively within the authority of the current Dalai Lama, Tibetan Buddhist leaders and the Tibetan people. Also Read | US Congress passes new Tibet law on the next Dalai Lama; infuriates China Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have been asserting time and again that while the institution of reincarnation of the Dalai Lama has been in existence for several hundred years, the 14th (present) Dalai Lama himself was found and recognised following religious rituals and historic conventions, and his succession was approved by China's central government. The white paper said by 2020, a total of 92 reincarnated Living Buddhas had been identified and approved through traditional religious rituals and historical conventions for temples in Tibet. Traditional religious activities are carried out regularly in accordance with the law and examination on scriptures and subsequent promotion in academic degrees are also held in monasteries on a regular basis, it said. Also Read | China wants to control Tibet, major power struggle expected after demise of 14th Dalai Lama: Report The white paper termed the demand for Tibetan independence as a product of imperialist aggression against China. In the middle of the 19th century, the UK-led imperialist powers began to cultivate the idea of "Tibet independence," intentionally undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said. It slammed the Dalai Lama group for promoting "Tibetan independence". "Over the years, the 14th Dalai Lama and his supporters have continued to try to promote "Tibetan independence" by provoking incidents to jeopardise peace and stability in Tibet," it said. Also Read | Explainer: Why China wants control over Dalai Lama? After the failure of their armed rebellion in 1959, the reactionaries of Tibet's ruling class fled to India and subsequently began to campaign for "Tibetan independence" by force", it said. No country or government in the world has ever acknowledged the "independence of Tibet," it said. China makes it mandatory to adhere to the 'One China' policy, recognising Tibet and Taiwan as an integral part of the country. Beijing made the 'One-China' policy a prerequisite for countries to establish diplomatic ties with it. About the incidents of over 100 Tibetans setting themselves on fire since 2011 demanding the return of the Dalai Lama from his exile, the white paper said the Dalai Lama and his supporters have incited Tibetan lamas into self-immolations. It also blamed the western anti-China forces for continuing to interfere in Tibetan affairs in an attempt to sabotage its social stability. Justifying China's taking over of Tibet in 1951, it said with the peaceful liberation of Tibet 70 years ago, the people of Tibet broke free from the fetters of invading imperialism for good and embarked on a bright road of unity, progress and development with all the other ethnic groups in China. China is a unified multi-ethnic country with a long history. The Chinese nation is a community of shared future. Tibet has developed through the combined efforts of all the ethnic groups in China, it said. Rejecting allegations of curbs on religion, it said the province has more than 1,700 sites for Tibetan Buddhist activities with 46,000 monks and nuns besides four mosques serving 12,000 native Muslims, and a Catholic church with more than 700 followers, it said.

Dalai Lama's successor has to be approved by Chinese government, insists Beijing

Penpa Tsering will be the next President of the Tibetan govt in Exile (or Sikyong of Central Tibetan Administration) based out of Dharamshala.&nbsp;

In his first comments after election victory to any media outlet, Penpa, speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said he will "fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino Tibet conflict".

He also spoke on the Chinese claim on the next Dalai Lama.

Tibetans had voted in two rounds of voting, the first one in January and the second in April. The voting took place in India&nbsp;and across the world where Tibetan refugees are present. Penpa has been the speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and also served as the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to North America.

Sidhant Sibal: Your first reaction to your victory?

Penpa Tsering: I fully respect the mandate of the public and as I have committed many times, I shall try to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict and looking after the welfare of the Tibetan people.

Sidhant Sibal: Your reaction to the Chinese claim on the succession of Dalai Lama?

Penpa Tsering: For that, I think the Chinese leadership will have to learn Buddhism to decide who should succeed His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Otherwise, they should respect the decision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people since it is a purely religious matter

Sidhant Sibal: How will you deal with the COVID-19 crisis?&nbsp;

Penpa Tsering: Overall we have to work under the guidelines provided by the central govt of India, and the respective state govt where Tibetan settlements (are present). But for the Tibetan population, the effort I would be making would be to try to inoculate as many Tibetans as possible and try to provide medical equipments and aids where we have a larger number of cases.

Penpa Tsering will be the next President of the Tibetan govt in Exile (or Sikyong of Central Tibetan Administration) based out of Dharamshala. In his first comments after election victory to any media outlet, Penpa, speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said he will "fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino Tibet conflict".

Penpa Tsering will be the next President of the Tibetan govt in Exile (or Sikyong of Central Tibetan Administration) based out of Dharamshala. In his first comments after election victory to any media outlet, Penpa, speaking to WION diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal said he will "fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino Tibet conflict". He also spoke on the Chinese claim on the next Dalai Lama. Tibetans had voted in two rounds of voting, the first one in January and the second in April. The voting took place in India and across the world where Tibetan refugees are present. Penpa has been the speaker of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile and also served as the representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to North America. Sidhant Sibal: Your first reaction to your victory? Penpa Tsering: I fully respect the mandate of the public and as I have committed many times, I shall try to fulfil the aspirations of the electorate in all matters including resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict and looking after the welfare of the Tibetan people. Sidhant Sibal: Your reaction to the Chinese claim on the succession of Dalai Lama? Penpa Tsering: For that, I think the Chinese leadership will have to learn Buddhism to decide who should succeed His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Otherwise, they should respect the decision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan people since it is a purely religious matter Sidhant Sibal: How will you deal with the COVID-19 crisis? Penpa Tsering: Overall we have to work under the guidelines provided by the central govt of India, and the respective state govt where Tibetan settlements (are present). But for the Tibetan population, the effort I would be making would be to try to inoculate as many Tibetans as possible and try to provide medical equipments and aids where we have a larger number of cases.

Penpa Tsering to be next President of Tibetan government in exile; asks China to learn Buddhism

Penning an open letter on the occasion of Earth Day, Dalai Lama and more than 100 other Nobel laureates have urged the world leaders to take immediate action on the climate crisis.

Laureates from areas of peace, literature, medicine, physics, chemistry, and economic sciences urged world leaders to take urgent and concrete steps to control and phase out the current production of fossil fuel and invest more in renewable energy.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
His Holiness the <a href="https://twitter.com/DalaiLama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalaiLama</a> and 100 other Nobel Laureates have just delivered our open letter to world leaders at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeadersClimateSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeadersClimateSummit</a> with these 3 demands: 
 
1️⃣ No new coal, oil &amp; gas 
2️⃣ Phase out existing production 
3️⃣ Support a global <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustTransition?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JustTransition</a> to clean energy <a href="https://t.co/ipRmA6RqNz">pic.twitter.com/ipRmA6RqNz</a>
— Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (@fossiltreaty) <a href="https://twitter.com/fossiltreaty/status/1384761469556826114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Climate change is threatening hundreds of millions of lives, livelihoods across every continent and is putting thousands of species at risk," the letter read. "The burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – is by far the major contributor to climate change."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-nation-can-solve-this-crisis-on-their-own-says-biden-as-he-opens-virtual-climate-summit-379286" hreflang="en">'No nation can solve this crisis on their own': Biden opens climate summit</a>

The laureates urged the leaders to invest in "transformational plan"&nbsp;that will help the dependent economies to diversify from gas and coal. It would also allow all countries to “flourish through a global just transition”.

This has come as the recent UN Environment Programme report stated an expected production of 120 per cent more of coal, gas, and oil by 2030.

It also points out that the Paris agreement has no mention of the coal, gas, and oil industry, which seems to be rapidly expanding, and has asked countries to lend continued support to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement.

Penning an open letter on the occasion of Earth Day, Dalai Lama and more than 100 other Nobel laureates have urged the world leaders to take immediate action on the climate crisis.

Penning an open letter on the occasion of Earth Day, Dalai Lama and more than 100 other Nobel laureates have urged the world leaders to take immediate action on the climate crisis. Laureates from areas of peace, literature, medicine, physics, chemistry, and economic sciences urged world leaders to take urgent and concrete steps to control and phase out the current production of fossil fuel and invest more in renewable energy. His Holiness the @DalaiLama and 100 other Nobel Laureates have just delivered our open letter to world leaders at the #LeadersClimateSummit with these 3 demands: 1️⃣ No new coal, oil & gas 2️⃣ Phase out existing production 3️⃣ Support a global #JustTransition to clean energy pic.twitter.com/ipRmA6RqNz — Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (@fossiltreaty) April 21, 2021 × "Climate change is threatening hundreds of millions of lives, livelihoods across every continent and is putting thousands of species at risk," the letter read. "The burning of fossil fuels – coal, oil, and gas – is by far the major contributor to climate change." Also read | 'No nation can solve this crisis on their own': Biden opens climate summit The laureates urged the leaders to invest in "transformational plan" that will help the dependent economies to diversify from gas and coal. It would also allow all countries to “flourish through a global just transition”. This has come as the recent UN Environment Programme report stated an expected production of 120 per cent more of coal, gas, and oil by 2030. It also points out that the Paris agreement has no mention of the coal, gas, and oil industry, which seems to be rapidly expanding, and has asked countries to lend continued support to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement.

Dalai Lama, 100 other Nobel laureates urge stop on fossil fuel expansion

The Biden administration has said the Chinese government should have "no role in the succession process of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-wants-to-control-tibet-major-power-struggle-expected-after-demise-of-14th-dalai-lama-report-353319">Dalai Lama</a>".

"We believe that the Chinese government should have no role in the succession process of the Dalai Lama," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, adding, "Beijing's interference in the succession of the Panchen Lama more than 25 years ago, including "disappearing the Panchen Lama as a child and attempting to replace him with a People's Republic of China (PRC) government-chosen successor remains an outrageous abuse of religious freedom."

The Dalai Lama had fled to India in 1959 along with his supporters amid growing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explainer-why-china-wants-control-over-dalai-lama-353034">Chinese </a>repression. The Tibetan spiritual leader has been staying in Dharamsala ever since.

Human rights activists say China tramples on religious freedom and culture in Tibet ever since People's Liberation Army(PLA) troops intervened in the region in 1950.

On February 13, 1913, the 13th Dalai Lama had reasserted Tibetan independence in the declaration of the "Proclamation of Independence"&nbsp;since then Tibetans mark the&nbsp;day. Last month, exiled Tibetans marked their 108th Independence Day.

The Trump administration had signed a law that authorized US sanctions on Chinese officials if they interfered in the&nbsp;selection of the next Dalai Lama.

The US Congress had overwhelmingly approved the Tibetan Policy and Support Act amid growing concern that China may handpick the successor of&nbsp;the Dalai Lama.

The US House of Representatives had passed the bill with a 392-22 majority with the Senate passing it as well.

According to the new law, the United States will impose sanctions on officials "who directly interfere with the identification and installation of the future 15th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinese-involved-in-hawala-racket-was-also-collecting-information-on-dalai-lama-reports-321132">Dalai Lama</a> of Tibetan Buddhism."

The Biden administration has said the Chinese government should have "no role in the succession process of the Dalai Lama". "We believe that the Chinese government should have no role in the succession process of the Dalai Lama," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, adding, "Beijing's interference in the succession of the Panchen Lama more than 25 years ago, including "disappearing the Panchen Lama as a child and attempting to replace him with a People's Republic of China (PRC) government-chosen successor remains an outrageous abuse of religious freedom.

The Biden administration has said the Chinese government should have "no role in the succession process of the Dalai Lama". "We believe that the Chinese government should have no role in the succession process of the Dalai Lama," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, adding, "Beijing's interference in the succession of the Panchen Lama more than 25 years ago, including "disappearing the Panchen Lama as a child and attempting to replace him with a People's Republic of China (PRC) government-chosen successor remains an outrageous abuse of religious freedom." The Dalai Lama had fled to India in 1959 along with his supporters amid growing Chinese repression. The Tibetan spiritual leader has been staying in Dharamsala ever since. Human rights activists say China tramples on religious freedom and culture in Tibet ever since People's Liberation Army(PLA) troops intervened in the region in 1950. On February 13, 1913, the 13th Dalai Lama had reasserted Tibetan independence in the declaration of the "Proclamation of Independence" since then Tibetans mark the day. Last month, exiled Tibetans marked their 108th Independence Day. The Trump administration had signed a law that authorized US sanctions on Chinese officials if they interfered in the selection of the next Dalai Lama. The US Congress had overwhelmingly approved the Tibetan Policy and Support Act amid growing concern that China may handpick the successor of the Dalai Lama. The US House of Representatives had passed the bill with a 392-22 majority with the Senate passing it as well. According to the new law, the United States will impose sanctions on officials "who directly interfere with the identification and installation of the future 15th Dalai Lama of Tibetan Buddhism."

Chinese government should have no role in succession process of the Dalai Lama: US

Thousands of Tibetans protest on 62nd anniversary of uprising against China

Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday got vaccinated against COVID-19. The leader received the first dose of the vaccine at a state-run hospital in Himachal Pradesh.

The 85-year-old Nobel Peace laureate, who is revered as a "living god" thanked the central and state governments for ensuring his inoculation at the Zonal Hospital in Dharamsala. After receiving the jab, the leader urged everyone who is eligible, especially "patients" to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 
 
"This is very important so I took that and I want to share that more people should have the courage to take this injection", said.

"According to my trusted friends, including doctors, they suggest I should take this injection. In order to prevent some serious problem, this injection is very helpful and good. So those other patients should take this injection for greater benefit", he added.

The 14th Dalai lama was born in a village in the remote Amdo region of Tiber on July 6, 1935.

Tibet's government-in-exile is currently based in Dharamsala, a town in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

The leader received the dose at roughly 7.10 AM IST, and was kept under observation for about half an hour, ANI reported.

Since last year, the leader had remained in self-quarantine. The arrangments were made for the Dalai Lama to be vaccinated by the Central Tiberation Administraiton (CTA), whose officials had requested the government for the vaccine, as stated by Palden, the CTA's Health Secretary.

Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday got vaccinated against COVID-19. The leader received the first dose of the vaccine at a state-run hospital in Himachal Pradesh.

Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Saturday got vaccinated against COVID-19. The leader received the first dose of the vaccine at a state-run hospital in Himachal Pradesh. The 85-year-old Nobel Peace laureate, who is revered as a "living god" thanked the central and state governments for ensuring his inoculation at the Zonal Hospital in Dharamsala. After receiving the jab, the leader urged everyone who is eligible, especially "patients" to get vaccinated against COVID-19. "This is very important so I took that and I want to share that more people should have the courage to take this injection", said. "According to my trusted friends, including doctors, they suggest I should take this injection. In order to prevent some serious problem, this injection is very helpful and good. So those other patients should take this injection for greater benefit", he added. The 14th Dalai lama was born in a village in the remote Amdo region of Tiber on July 6, 1935. Tibet's government-in-exile is currently based in Dharamsala, a town in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The leader received the dose at roughly 7.10 AM IST, and was kept under observation for about half an hour, ANI reported. Since last year, the leader had remained in self-quarantine. The arrangments were made for the Dalai Lama to be vaccinated by the Central Tiberation Administraiton (CTA), whose officials had requested the government for the vaccine, as stated by Palden, the CTA's Health Secretary.

Dalai Lama receives first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Dharamsala

China feels that it should control religious institution in Tibet and due to this a greater crisis will emerge with the eventual demise of 14th Dalai Lama as there will be a major power struggle over who will get to choose the religious leaders of Tibet, according to a report in Taiwan Times.

China, which had installed their puppet Panchen Lama in 90s to control Tibet, is expected to use him to legitimise the appointment of their own selected Chinese candidate as the next leader of Tibetan Buddhism (the 15th Dalai Lama), write Tsewang Paljor in Taiwan Times.

Ninety-nine per cent of Tibetans do not accept Chinese appointed Panchen Lama as the real or true Panchen Lama, Paljor stated. They regard him as false Panchen Lama.

The Chinese government occupied Tibet in 1950 and has ever since tried to control the region.

The Dalai Lama escaped to India in 1959 and the 10the Panchen Lama (Lobsang Trinley Lhundrup Choekyi Gyaltsen) stayed behind in Tibet. He spoke against Chinese rule many times and wrote a report chronicling Tibet's famines in the 1960s.

He was then arrested and spent more than eight years in jail. He died in 1989, due to the atrocities committed by the Chinese authorities, said Paljor

As per the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama was requested by the search team of the 11th Panchen Lama headed by Chadrel Rinpoche to identify the (reincarnated) Panchen Lama from a list of possible candidates.

On May 15, 1995, the Dalai Lama announced Gedhun as the 11th Panchen Lama. Two days later, the Chinese government abducted the child and his family.

"None of them have ever been seen or heard from again. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who had just turned six, became the world's youngest political prisoner. Chinese authorities even arrested Chadrel Rinpoche and his assistant Jampa Chung for finding Gedhun and disclosing his information to the Dalai Lama. They were imprisoned for six - and four years respectively for 'selling state secrets' and 'colluding with separatist forces abroad," he wrote.

The Chinese government rejected the Dalai Lama's choice of Panchen Lama stating that his ascendance was "illegal and invalid" and, six months after Gedhun's abduction, China announced that it had found the "real" reincarnation of 10th Panchen Lama named Gyaltsen Norbu, a Tibetan boy - the son of two Communist Party members - as the 11th Panchen Lama.

However, Tibetans have not accepted the Chinese appointed Panchen Lama. 'Tashi Lhunpo' monastery University is the real seat of Panchen Lamas but Gyaltsen Norbu never stays in Tashi Lhunpo".

Defying government orders, local Tibetan officials refused to participate in preparations for the visit. This was not the first time Gyaltsen Norbu had faced popular boycotts by Tibetans.

Similar mass public boycotts were witnessed a few years ago when the Chinese authorities brought Gyaltsen Norbu to Labrang monastery.

Time and again, Tibetans have also proved that they are not going to accept him as their religious leader, Paljor noted.

"Chinese now feel that Tibet is a part of China and that the control of its religious institutions should be in their hands. It is a major power struggle over who will get to choose the religious leaders of Tibet. And, of course, the greater crisis will emerge with the eventual demise of the 14th Dalai Lama," he wrote.

"However, in order to checkmate China, the Dalai Lama has declared that he will be reborn outside Tibet in exile. And so on his demise, there will be a massive search by the Chinese and a massive search by the exile community held simultaneously to find a new Dalai Lama," he added.

China feels that it should control religious institution in Tibet and due to this a greater crisis will emerge with the eventual demise of 14th Dalai Lama as there will be a major power struggle over who will get to choose the religious leaders of Tibet, according to a report in Taiwan Times.

China feels that it should control religious institution in Tibet and due to this a greater crisis will emerge with the eventual demise of 14th Dalai Lama as there will be a major power struggle over who will get to choose the religious leaders of Tibet, according to a report in Taiwan Times. China, which had installed their puppet Panchen Lama in 90s to control Tibet, is expected to use him to legitimise the appointment of their own selected Chinese candidate as the next leader of Tibetan Buddhism (the 15th Dalai Lama), write Tsewang Paljor in Taiwan Times. Ninety-nine per cent of Tibetans do not accept Chinese appointed Panchen Lama as the real or true Panchen Lama, Paljor stated. They regard him as false Panchen Lama. The Chinese government occupied Tibet in 1950 and has ever since tried to control the region. The Dalai Lama escaped to India in 1959 and the 10the Panchen Lama (Lobsang Trinley Lhundrup Choekyi Gyaltsen) stayed behind in Tibet. He spoke against Chinese rule many times and wrote a report chronicling Tibet's famines in the 1960s. He was then arrested and spent more than eight years in jail. He died in 1989, due to the atrocities committed by the Chinese authorities, said Paljor As per the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama was requested by the search team of the 11th Panchen Lama headed by Chadrel Rinpoche to identify the (reincarnated) Panchen Lama from a list of possible candidates. On May 15, 1995, the Dalai Lama announced Gedhun as the 11th Panchen Lama. Two days later, the Chinese government abducted the child and his family. "None of them have ever been seen or heard from again. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who had just turned six, became the world's youngest political prisoner. Chinese authorities even arrested Chadrel Rinpoche and his assistant Jampa Chung for finding Gedhun and disclosing his information to the Dalai Lama. They were imprisoned for six - and four years respectively for 'selling state secrets' and 'colluding with separatist forces abroad," he wrote. The Chinese government rejected the Dalai Lama's choice of Panchen Lama stating that his ascendance was "illegal and invalid" and, six months after Gedhun's abduction, China announced that it had found the "real" reincarnation of 10th Panchen Lama named Gyaltsen Norbu, a Tibetan boy - the son of two Communist Party members - as the 11th Panchen Lama. However, Tibetans have not accepted the Chinese appointed Panchen Lama. 'Tashi Lhunpo' monastery University is the real seat of Panchen Lamas but Gyaltsen Norbu never stays in Tashi Lhunpo". Defying government orders, local Tibetan officials refused to participate in preparations for the visit. This was not the first time Gyaltsen Norbu had faced popular boycotts by Tibetans. Similar mass public boycotts were witnessed a few years ago when the Chinese authorities brought Gyaltsen Norbu to Labrang monastery. Time and again, Tibetans have also proved that they are not going to accept him as their religious leader, Paljor noted. "Chinese now feel that Tibet is a part of China and that the control of its religious institutions should be in their hands. It is a major power struggle over who will get to choose the religious leaders of Tibet. And, of course, the greater crisis will emerge with the eventual demise of the 14th Dalai Lama," he wrote. "However, in order to checkmate China, the Dalai Lama has declared that he will be reborn outside Tibet in exile. And so on his demise, there will be a massive search by the Chinese and a massive search by the exile community held simultaneously to find a new Dalai Lama," he added.

China wants to control Tibet, major power struggle expected after demise of 14th Dalai Lama: Report

The U.S. Congress on Monday passed a bill that is expected to upgrade U.S. support for Tibetans in key areas, including sanctioning Chinese officials if they try to appoint the next Dalai Lama.

U.S. congress passes landmark bill in support of Tibet

The political head of Tibetan's in exile has welcome legislation passed by U.S congress that reaffirm the rights of Tibetan to choose a successor to the highest spiritual leader Dalai lama. U.S also cleared that any chinese interference to be met with U.S sanctions. China warns U.S against passing legislation into law.

Head of Tibetan government in exile hails U.S legislation

US Congress on Tuesday passed new legislation&nbsp;that reaffirms the rights of Tibetans to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, a move that infuriated China.

Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile,&nbsp;welcomed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act passed by the US Congress, calling it a historic move and a clear message to China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-appoints-tibet-coordinator-to-send-a-message-to-china-335576">US appoints Tibet coordinator to send a message to China</a>

China regards the exiled Dalai Lama as a dangerous "splittist", or separatist, and the latest show of support from the US&nbsp;Congress could increase already tense ties between the two countries.

The Chinese foreign ministry accused the US&nbsp;of meddling in its internal affairs and warned the U.S. against signing the legislation into law, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Tuesday.

"We urge the US&nbsp;side to stop meddling in China's internal affairs and refrain from signing into law these negative clauses and acts, lest it further harms our further cooperation and bilateral relations," Wang said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-impose-visa-restrictions-on-us-citizens-over-tibet-311589">China to impose visa restrictions on US citizens over Tibet</a>

China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Tibet has since become one of the most restricted and sensitive areas in the country.

The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

The legislation calls for the establishment of a US&nbsp;consulate in Tibet's main city of Lhasa, the absolute right of Tibetans to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama, and the preservation of Tibet's environment.

The legislation also proposes a "regional framework on water security" and greater participation from the community in dialogue with China on monitoring the region's environment.

"The People's Republic of China has already completed water transfer programmes diverting billions of cubic metres of water yearly and has plans to divert more waters from the Tibetan plateau in China," the bill said.

Environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists have expressed concern about China's hydropower ambitions in the region, saying they could affect downstream water supplies.

China has said its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, which many see as a coercive attempt to control Tibet, where ethnic Tibetans make up about 90% of the population.

"By passing the TPSA, Congress has sent its message loud and clear that Tibet remains a priority for the United States and that it will continue its steadfast support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA," Sangay said.

"This is a victory for the Tibetan freedom struggle."

China accuses the US&nbsp;of destabilising the region by interfering in its internal affairs.

Relations between China and the United States have deteriorated to their worst in decades over a range of issues, including trade, Taiwan, human rights, Hong Kong, the South China Sea and the coronavirus.

The US&nbsp;bill also proposes dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama.

US Congress on Tuesday passed new legislation that reaffirms the rights of Tibetans to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, a move that infuriated China.

US Congress on Tuesday passed new legislation that reaffirms the rights of Tibetans to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, a move that infuriated China. Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, welcomed the Tibetan Policy and Support Act passed by the US Congress, calling it a historic move and a clear message to China. Also read: US appoints Tibet coordinator to send a message to China China regards the exiled Dalai Lama as a dangerous "splittist", or separatist, and the latest show of support from the US Congress could increase already tense ties between the two countries. The Chinese foreign ministry accused the US of meddling in its internal affairs and warned the U.S. against signing the legislation into law, foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Tuesday. "We urge the US side to stop meddling in China's internal affairs and refrain from signing into law these negative clauses and acts, lest it further harms our further cooperation and bilateral relations," Wang said. Also read: China to impose visa restrictions on US citizens over Tibet China seized control of Tibet after its troops entered the region in 1950 in what it calls a "peaceful liberation". Tibet has since become one of the most restricted and sensitive areas in the country. The Dalai Lama fled into exile in India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. The legislation calls for the establishment of a US consulate in Tibet's main city of Lhasa, the absolute right of Tibetans to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama, and the preservation of Tibet's environment. The legislation also proposes a "regional framework on water security" and greater participation from the community in dialogue with China on monitoring the region's environment. "The People's Republic of China has already completed water transfer programmes diverting billions of cubic metres of water yearly and has plans to divert more waters from the Tibetan plateau in China," the bill said. Environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists have expressed concern about China's hydropower ambitions in the region, saying they could affect downstream water supplies. China has said its leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, which many see as a coercive attempt to control Tibet, where ethnic Tibetans make up about 90% of the population. "By passing the TPSA, Congress has sent its message loud and clear that Tibet remains a priority for the United States and that it will continue its steadfast support for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA," Sangay said. "This is a victory for the Tibetan freedom struggle." China accuses the US of destabilising the region by interfering in its internal affairs. Relations between China and the United States have deteriorated to their worst in decades over a range of issues, including trade, Taiwan, human rights, Hong Kong, the South China Sea and the coronavirus. The US bill also proposes dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama.

US Congress passes new Tibet law on the next Dalai Lama; infuriates China

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