Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in India is holding an event to decode the Chinese propaganda machine, termed as 'decoding CCP'. WION's Sidhant Sibal brings you the latest developments.

TCHRD: Decoding over 500 CCP jargons & slogans

Tibetans have been residing in Nepal since the annexation of Tibet by China which started in 1950. The Tibetans live in Nepal as refugees. But they are happy to live in a nation - that allows them to practice their religion freely. WION spoke to some Tibetans living in Nepal - to see what growing Chinese investment in the Himalayan nations means for them. Here is an exclusive ground report from Kathmandu.

WION Exclusive: Tibetans living in Nepal speak on growing Chinese investment in Himalayan nations

Tibet's spiritual leader The Dalai Lama has said that he prefers to stay in India since relations between Taiwan and China are delicate for now. The spiritual leader has often expressed gratitude to the Indian government for providing him and his followers refuge in the country.

Tibet's spiritual leader The Dalai Lama prefers to stay in India

The foremost spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the 14th Dalai Lama, on Wednesday criticised Chinese officials, saying they "don't grasp the multiplicity of diverse cultures" there and that the majority Han ethnic group has too much power.

Though the Dalai Lama has stated that he has no plans to meet China's leader, Xi Jinping, he has stated that he would want to return to see old friends as "I am becoming older" - but would avoid Taiwan since ties between the two countries are "very touchy." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-does-not-have-any-right-in-choosing-next-dalai-lama-head-of-tawang-monastery-423714">Also read | China does not have any right in choosing next Dalai Lama: Head of Tawang monastery</a>

"I'd rather stay here in India, quietly," he remarked, hailing the country&nbsp;as a centre of religious harmony.&nbsp;

The Tibetan spiritual leader, who has often expressed thanks to the Indian government for providing him and his followers with asylum in the nation, was questioned about visiting Taiwan during an online news conference.

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India is my home for rest of my life: Dalai Lama <a href="https://t.co/svHe86HOmh">pic.twitter.com/svHe86HOmh</a>
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"I know Communist Party leaders since Mao Zedong. Their ideas (are) good. But sometimes they do much extreme, tight control," he said. 
 
Since fleeing Tibet in the aftermath of an uprising in 1959, the Dalai Lama, a supremely important figure in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, has been residing in India as a refugee.

He advocates for Tibetan welfare while continuing to advocate for diplomatic approaches to discussions with China about Tibetan autonomy and the protection of Tibetan culture, particularly Tibetan religious rights. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-china-trying-to-break-indias-chicken-neck-423184">Why is China trying to break India's chicken neck?</a>

The Chinese Communist Party, led by President Xi Jinping, has weakened the decision-making capabilities of Tibet's local government, which has governed the country since the Chinese invasion in 1949.

Tibet is likewise regarded as the world's second least free territory, because to long-standing tyranny.

During the 48th UN Human Rights Council Session in September, delegations from the United States, Denmark, Germany, and the European Union criticised China for religious, linguistic, and cultural restrictions enforced by the Jinping-led government.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The foremost spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the 14th Dalai Lama, on Wednesday criticised Chinese officials, saying they "don't grasp the multiplicity of diverse cultures" there and that the majority Han ethnic group has too much power.

The foremost spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the 14th Dalai Lama, on Wednesday criticised Chinese officials, saying they "don't grasp the multiplicity of diverse cultures" there and that the majority Han ethnic group has too much power. Though the Dalai Lama has stated that he has no plans to meet China's leader, Xi Jinping, he has stated that he would want to return to see old friends as "I am becoming older" - but would avoid Taiwan since ties between the two countries are "very touchy." Also read | China does not have any right in choosing next Dalai Lama: Head of Tawang monastery "I'd rather stay here in India, quietly," he remarked, hailing the country as a centre of religious harmony. The Tibetan spiritual leader, who has often expressed thanks to the Indian government for providing him and his followers with asylum in the nation, was questioned about visiting Taiwan during an online news conference. India is my home for rest of my life: Dalai Lama pic.twitter.com/svHe86HOmh — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) November 10, 2021 × "I know Communist Party leaders since Mao Zedong. Their ideas (are) good. But sometimes they do much extreme, tight control," he said. Since fleeing Tibet in the aftermath of an uprising in 1959, the Dalai Lama, a supremely important figure in Tibetan Buddhist tradition, has been residing in India as a refugee. He advocates for Tibetan welfare while continuing to advocate for diplomatic approaches to discussions with China about Tibetan autonomy and the protection of Tibetan culture, particularly Tibetan religious rights. Also Read | Why is China trying to break India's chicken neck? The Chinese Communist Party, led by President Xi Jinping, has weakened the decision-making capabilities of Tibet's local government, which has governed the country since the Chinese invasion in 1949. Tibet is likewise regarded as the world's second least free territory, because to long-standing tyranny. During the 48th UN Human Rights Council Session in September, delegations from the United States, Denmark, Germany, and the European Union criticised China for religious, linguistic, and cultural restrictions enforced by the Jinping-led government. (With inputs from agencies)

Prefer to stay in India, no plans to meet Chinese president, says Dalai Lama

According to reports, China has stepped up night drills near the Himalayan border with India in order to familiarise troops with its new equipment.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly wants "higher standards" from troops stationed at high altitudes.&nbsp;

China's state-run Global Times had reported last month that the PLA's Tibet military command had conducted large-scale joint exercises in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/model-battalion-chinese-president-xi-encourages-pla-troops-at-india-china-border-in-tibet-413200">Tibet</a>&nbsp;plateau region.&nbsp;

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-us-must-come-together-to-stop-chinese-expansionism-geshe-dorji-damdul-director-tibet-house-401777/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The exercise known as "Snowfield Duty-2021" involved ten brigades and regiments affiliated with the PLA Tibet military command. The drill included the latest weapons and equipment as PLA troops held the exercise at an elevation of 4,500 meters.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-building-30-airports-near-indias-border-in-tibet-xinjiang-report-413459" hreflang="en">China building 30 airports near India’s border in Tibet, Xinjiang: Report</a>

The night and day exercise was conducted with howitzers, multiple rocket launcher systems including anti-aircraft batteries.

Reports claimed the PLA also used attack helicopters and Type 15 light tanks during the exercise.

PLA daily claimed forces in the Xinjiang military district have been carrying out night drills at an altitude of around 5,000 metres.

Earlier, senior military commanders linked to PLA had conducted an exercise at Zhurihe training base. The military exercise was reportedly conducted to ensure "combat readiness".&nbsp;

There were at least 200 military commanders from three theatres during the exercise including from Tibet and Xinjiang.

The heightened Chinese military exercises come as President Xi Jinping visited Tibet in July. During the visit, Xi reportedly also visited the Nyingchi railway station to plan the Sichuan-Tibet railway line.

The Chinese president reportedly met locals and spoke in front of Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama.&nbsp;Xi had last visited the region in 2011 when he was vice-president.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to reports, China has stepped up night drills near the Himalayan border with India in order to familiarise troops with its new equipment. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly wants "higher standards" from troops stationed at high altitudes.

According to reports, China has stepped up night drills near the Himalayan border with India in order to familiarise troops with its new equipment. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly wants "higher standards" from troops stationed at high altitudes. China's state-run Global Times had reported last month that the PLA's Tibet military command had conducted large-scale joint exercises in the Tibet plateau region. Watch: The exercise known as "Snowfield Duty-2021" involved ten brigades and regiments affiliated with the PLA Tibet military command. The drill included the latest weapons and equipment as PLA troops held the exercise at an elevation of 4,500 meters. Also Read: China building 30 airports near India’s border in Tibet, Xinjiang: Report The night and day exercise was conducted with howitzers, multiple rocket launcher systems including anti-aircraft batteries. Reports claimed the PLA also used attack helicopters and Type 15 light tanks during the exercise. PLA daily claimed forces in the Xinjiang military district have been carrying out night drills at an altitude of around 5,000 metres. Earlier, senior military commanders linked to PLA had conducted an exercise at Zhurihe training base. The military exercise was reportedly conducted to ensure "combat readiness". There were at least 200 military commanders from three theatres during the exercise including from Tibet and Xinjiang. The heightened Chinese military exercises come as President Xi Jinping visited Tibet in July. During the visit, Xi reportedly also visited the Nyingchi railway station to plan the Sichuan-Tibet railway line. The Chinese president reportedly met locals and spoke in front of Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lama. Xi had last visited the region in 2011 when he was vice-president. (With inputs from Agencies)

Chinese military conducts drill along India border with advanced equipment: Report

Reports claim Chinese President Xi Jinping has lauded the efforts of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Unit 77656 stationed in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-bullet-train-linking-tibet-hosts-military-transport-mission-report-403044">Tibet </a>region while "encouraging" it&nbsp;to guard the country's borders. The PLA unit is reportedly posted at the China-India border along the&nbsp;Line of Actual Control (LAC).

China's state-run Global Times quoted President Xi's letter which said troops "guarded the sacred territory of the motherland with youth and blood, and have accomplished your mission brilliantly. Everyone has done a good job!"

The report said the Chinese PLA Unit 77656 is stationed in the border region of Xizang at the northern foot of the Himalayas.&nbsp;

The Global Times report claimed the Chinese battalion "is stationed at the highest altitude among all PLA battalions."

Watch:

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Unit 77656 was established in 1961. China's newspaper said the battalion undertakes border patrol missions in the mountains at an elevation of over 5,000 meters.

President Xi had reportedly named Unit 77656 as a "model battalion" in 2016 which defended "China’s frontiers on the plateau”. The Chinese president's greeting came after the unit sent an update on its activities since 2016.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pla-conducts-large-scale-military-drills-in-tibet-plateau-408467">Also Read:&nbsp;China's PLA conducts large-scale military drills in Tibet plateau</a>

India and China were involved in a 73-day standoff back in 2017 at Doklam. In June last year, India and Chinese soldiers had clashed at Galwan Valley leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers. China later said five&nbsp;of its troops had also died during the clashes.

In 2016, Xi had reportedly also honoured the Navy Submarine 372 calling it a "model submarine”.

Global Times said Unit 77656 had "successfully completed major tasks" including border control, stability maintenance and earthquake relief while claiming that it also covers the highest point of 6,900 meters above sea level.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Reports claim Chinese President Xi Jinping has lauded the efforts of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Unit 77656 stationed in the Tibet region while "encouraging" it to guard the country's borders.

Reports claim Chinese President Xi Jinping has lauded the efforts of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Unit 77656 stationed in the Tibet region while "encouraging" it to guard the country's borders. The PLA unit is reportedly posted at the China-India border along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China's state-run Global Times quoted President Xi's letter which said troops "guarded the sacred territory of the motherland with youth and blood, and have accomplished your mission brilliantly. Everyone has done a good job!" The report said the Chinese PLA Unit 77656 is stationed in the border region of Xizang at the northern foot of the Himalayas. The Global Times report claimed the Chinese battalion "is stationed at the highest altitude among all PLA battalions." Watch: Unit 77656 was established in 1961. China's newspaper said the battalion undertakes border patrol missions in the mountains at an elevation of over 5,000 meters. President Xi had reportedly named Unit 77656 as a "model battalion" in 2016 which defended "China’s frontiers on the plateau”. The Chinese president's greeting came after the unit sent an update on its activities since 2016. Also Read: China's PLA conducts large-scale military drills in Tibet plateau India and China were involved in a 73-day standoff back in 2017 at Doklam. In June last year, India and Chinese soldiers had clashed at Galwan Valley leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers. China later said five of its troops had also died during the clashes. In 2016, Xi had reportedly also honoured the Navy Submarine 372 calling it a "model submarine”. Global Times said Unit 77656 had "successfully completed major tasks" including border control, stability maintenance and earthquake relief while claiming that it also covers the highest point of 6,900 meters above sea level. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Model battalion': Chinese President Xi 'encourages' PLA troops at India-China border in Tibet

Amid the Afghanistan crisis, China is provoking India at the border. The PLA has conducted a major drill in Tibet. The Chinese military is trying to project strength at the border. But, all is not well within the PLA. Palki Sharma gets you the details.

Gravitas: Amid Afghanistan crisis, China provokes India at the border

According to China's state-run Global Times, People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Tibet military command recently conducted &nbsp;large-scale joint exercises in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-bullet-train-linking-tibet-hosts-military-transport-mission-report-403044">Tibet</a> plateau region.

The Chinese army reportedly practised "multidimensional tactics with the goal of target elimination". The military exercise was held at an elevation of 4,500 meters named "Snowfield Duty-2021".

At least 10 brigades and regiments affiliated with&nbsp;the PLA Tibet military command took part in the exercise with the latest weapons and equipment.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tibetan-kids-forced-to-attend-military-summer-camps-404337/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Global Times said the PLA conducted live ammunition drills and kicked off the exercise "under the cover of darkness and launched the first wave of attacks at midnight".

The PLA used artillery with howitzers and multiple rocket launcher systems and practised destroying communications centres and helicopter pads, the report claimed.

The drills were also carried out during the day with the setting up of a&nbsp;reconnaissance unit at a peak of a 6,100 meter mountain, it said.

The PLA used anti-aircraft batteries including tanks, infantry and assault vehicles. Attack helicopters were also used during the campaign with sappers reportedly used to clear obstacles with explosives.

China also reportedly used the Type 15 light tanks during the exercise, Global Times reported.

(With inputs from Agencies)

According to China's state-run Global Times, People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Tibet military command recently conducted large-scale joint exercises in the Tibet plateau region.

According to China's state-run Global Times, People's Liberation Army's (PLA) Tibet military command recently conducted large-scale joint exercises in the Tibet plateau region. The Chinese army reportedly practised "multidimensional tactics with the goal of target elimination". The military exercise was held at an elevation of 4,500 meters named "Snowfield Duty-2021". At least 10 brigades and regiments affiliated with the PLA Tibet military command took part in the exercise with the latest weapons and equipment. Watch: Global Times said the PLA conducted live ammunition drills and kicked off the exercise "under the cover of darkness and launched the first wave of attacks at midnight". The PLA used artillery with howitzers and multiple rocket launcher systems and practised destroying communications centres and helicopter pads, the report claimed. The drills were also carried out during the day with the setting up of a reconnaissance unit at a peak of a 6,100 meter mountain, it said. The PLA used anti-aircraft batteries including tanks, infantry and assault vehicles. Attack helicopters were also used during the campaign with sappers reportedly used to clear obstacles with explosives. China also reportedly used the Type 15 light tanks during the exercise, Global Times reported. (With inputs from Agencies)

China's PLA conducts large-scale military drills in Tibet plateau

In Tibet, children as young as eight were forced to attend military summer camps during summer vacation. The Chinese state wants Tibetans to serve in the military, and become more loyal to the Communist Party. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Tibetan kids forced to attend military "summer camps"

According to China's state-run Global Times, China's&nbsp;newly built high-speed train connecting Tibet's capital <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-to-operationalise-first-electric-train-in-tibet-near-arunachal-border-393751">Lhasa</a> with Nyingchi, a Tibetan town situated close to the Arunachal Pradesh border has been converted into a military transport&nbsp;mission.

The train reportedly carried soldiers linked to the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese newspaper said. The Global Times quoting a PLA website said the&nbsp;PLA Tibet Military Command&nbsp;took the Fuxing bullet train&nbsp;on the railway to an exercise field at an elevation of 4,500 meters.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-tibet-has-shaped-indias-relationship-with-china-400225/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is the first time the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway has hosted a troop transport mission, it said while stating that it is "another step forward" towards developing China's military transport initiative.

Nyingchi is a prefecture-level city of Medog next to the Arunachal Pradesh border.

The bullet train was opened by Chinese authorities on June 25 and was inaugurated on July 1. It connects a 435-kilometre stretch to Lhasa with the Chinese city of Nyingchi. The train reportedly cuts travel time by half allowing the movement of people and transport.&nbsp;

Trains are a key means to transport military personnel, equipment and supplies on a large scale&nbsp;as it can serve to complement road transport, which is slower, the state-run newspaper informed.

The Sichuan-Tibet link is the second railway line into Tibet after the Qinghai-Tibet railway. Chinese President Xi Jinping had earlier ordered officials to ensure the construction of the new railway line.

The development comes as India and China held the 12th round of the Corps Commander-level talks last week after the standoff in Galwan led to a clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers on June-15-16 last year in which 20 Indian soldiers had died. China claimed five of its troops had also died during the clashes.

The previous military-level talks had taken place in April. The Indian commanders had told the Chinese officials during their last meeting that disengagement from all friction points was key towards de-escalation along the disputed border area.

The talks focussed on disengagement from Hot Spring and Gogra Post, Patrolling Point (PP) 15 and PP17A.

India and Chinese troops were involved in border row in Ladakh as both sides ramped up troops and activated their Air Force along the Line of Actual Control(LAC).

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

According to China's state-run Global Times, China's newly built high-speed train connecting Tibet's capital Lhasa with Nyingchi, a Tibetan town situated close to the Arunachal Pradesh border has been converted into a military transport mission.

According to China's state-run Global Times, China's newly built high-speed train connecting Tibet's capital Lhasa with Nyingchi, a Tibetan town situated close to the Arunachal Pradesh border has been converted into a military transport mission. The train reportedly carried soldiers linked to the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the Chinese newspaper said. The Global Times quoting a PLA website said the PLA Tibet Military Command took the Fuxing bullet train on the railway to an exercise field at an elevation of 4,500 meters. Watch: It is the first time the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway has hosted a troop transport mission, it said while stating that it is "another step forward" towards developing China's military transport initiative. Nyingchi is a prefecture-level city of Medog next to the Arunachal Pradesh border. The bullet train was opened by Chinese authorities on June 25 and was inaugurated on July 1. It connects a 435-kilometre stretch to Lhasa with the Chinese city of Nyingchi. The train reportedly cuts travel time by half allowing the movement of people and transport. Trains are a key means to transport military personnel, equipment and supplies on a large scale as it can serve to complement road transport, which is slower, the state-run newspaper informed. The Sichuan-Tibet link is the second railway line into Tibet after the Qinghai-Tibet railway. Chinese President Xi Jinping had earlier ordered officials to ensure the construction of the new railway line. The development comes as India and China held the 12th round of the Corps Commander-level talks last week after the standoff in Galwan led to a clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers on June-15-16 last year in which 20 Indian soldiers had died. China claimed five of its troops had also died during the clashes. The previous military-level talks had taken place in April. The Indian commanders had told the Chinese officials during their last meeting that disengagement from all friction points was key towards de-escalation along the disputed border area. The talks focussed on disengagement from Hot Spring and Gogra Post, Patrolling Point (PP) 15 and PP17A. India and Chinese troops were involved in border row in Ladakh as both sides ramped up troops and activated their Air Force along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). (With inputs from Agencies)

China's bullet train linking Tibet hosts military transport mission: Report

Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, Dorji talked about the meet, saying that he shared "Dalai Lama's vision of universal ethics" at the meet and if India, US "work together to bring universal ethics to the forefront of education, tomorrow the world is going to be very different."

'US & India must unite to stop Chinese expansionism': Geshe Dorji Damdul

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 escape of Dalai Lama and his followers to India marked the end of a free Tibet. The event was also the beginning of a dispute that still casts a shadow on India-China relations.

Gravitas: How Tibet has shaped India's relationship with China

Mao Zedong once called Arunachal Pradesh - one of the 5 fingers of Tibet. How serious is China's claim over the Indian state? Is Xi Jinping's visit a sign of things to come?

Gravitas: How India must see Xi's Tibet visit

Xi Jinping made a surprise visit to Tibet - the first by a Chinese leader in more than 30 years. He inspected key projects and sites that are barely 16 kilometres away from the Line of Actual Control with India.

Gravitas: Chinese President visits Tibet, sends a message to India

China's&nbsp;President&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;Jinping visited the&nbsp;Tibet&nbsp;Autonomous Region on July 21-22, according to the official&nbsp;Xinhua news agency, in his&nbsp;first&nbsp;recorded visit as leader of the nation.

Xi&nbsp;flew into the city of Nyingchi on Wednesday and took a train to&nbsp;Tibetan capital Lhasa the following day along a section of the high-elevation railway being built to link the mountainous border region with Sichuan province.

In Lhasa,&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;visited a monastery and the Potala Palace Square, and "inspected ethnic religion" and&nbsp;Tibetan cultural heritage protection, according to&nbsp;Xinhua. The palace is the traditional home of&nbsp;Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who is in exile and has been branded a dangerous separatist by Beijing.

In Nyingchi, he also inspected rural rejuvenation and environmental protection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-wuhan-lab-leak-study-china-opposes-virus-origins-probe-399644">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe</a>

Tibet, on&nbsp;China's&nbsp;border with India, is seen as having critical strategic importance to Beijing. Last year China and India saw the most serious clash in decades on their disputed border in the Himalayas, with deaths on both sides.

Photos released by&nbsp;Xinhua show&nbsp;Xi&nbsp;was accompanied by Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of&nbsp;China's&nbsp;Central Military Commission and a senior general in the People's Liberation Army.

Xi&nbsp;was last in&nbsp;Tibet&nbsp;in 2011, when he was vice&nbsp;president.

Beijing sent troops into&nbsp;Tibet&nbsp;in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and maintains a heavy security presence in the region, which has been prone to unrest.

China's President Xi Jinping visited the Tibet Autonomous Region on July 21-22, according to the official Xinhua news agency, in his first recorded visit as leader of the nation.

China's President Xi Jinping visited the Tibet Autonomous Region on July 21-22, according to the official Xinhua news agency, in his first recorded visit as leader of the nation. Xi flew into the city of Nyingchi on Wednesday and took a train to Tibetan capital Lhasa the following day along a section of the high-elevation railway being built to link the mountainous border region with Sichuan province. In Lhasa, Xi visited a monastery and the Potala Palace Square, and "inspected ethnic religion" and Tibetan cultural heritage protection, according to Xinhua. The palace is the traditional home of Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who is in exile and has been branded a dangerous separatist by Beijing. In Nyingchi, he also inspected rural rejuvenation and environmental protection. Also read | COVID-19: Wuhan lab leak study — China opposes virus origins probe Tibet, on China's border with India, is seen as having critical strategic importance to Beijing. Last year China and India saw the most serious clash in decades on their disputed border in the Himalayas, with deaths on both sides. Photos released by Xinhua show Xi was accompanied by Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission and a senior general in the People's Liberation Army. Xi was last in Tibet in 2011, when he was vice president. Beijing sent troops into Tibet in 1950 in what it officially terms a peaceful liberation and maintains a heavy security presence in the region, which has been prone to unrest.

China's Xi visits Tibet for first time as president

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

President of the Tibetan government-in-exile Penpa Tsering has slammed china for being in denial on the Tibet issue and has said his key focus will be on resolving the Sino Tibetan issue. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent sidhant sibal, he also spoke on a recent birthday congratulatory call by PM Modi to Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. He said it is a "clear signal to the Chinese leadership on the relationship between Dalai lama and Indian govt"

New President of Tibetan Govt in Exile speaks to WION

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

Reports say China is recruiting Tibetan youth to combat India along the LAC after PLA regulars proved ineffective in high-altitude operations. What are China's moves in Tibet? How should India see them? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: China recruiting Tibetan youth to man LAC?

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

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

China&nbsp;criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies.

Beijing expressed anger after New Zealand's parliament passed a watered-down motion Wednesday expressing "grave concern" at human rights abuses involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in&nbsp;China's Xinjiang province.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's ruling Labour Party insisted any reference to genocide was scrubbed out of the motion, which was submitted by a minor opposition party, but the move failed to appease&nbsp;China's embassy in Wellington.

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The embassy said in a statement that the New Zealand parliament was meddling in matters that concerned&nbsp;China's sovereignty.

This move grossly interferes in&nbsp;China's internal affairs and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations," it said.&nbsp;

"The Chinese side deplores and firmly opposes such action."

The embassy said the motion would "harm the mutual trust between&nbsp;China&nbsp;and NZ".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-slams-chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-doesnt-label-it-genocide-382930">New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide'</a>
</div>

At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps in Xinjiang, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour.

Ardern's centre-left government has been noticeably less vocal than its allies in condemning the abuses, leading to accusations it is a weak link in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Ardern this week conceded New Zealand's differences with&nbsp;China&nbsp;on human rights were becoming "harder to reconcile", but said her government would continue to point out areas of concern to Beijing.

However, allies such as Australia have been much blunter in their criticism, spurring punitive levies from Beijing on more than a dozen Australian imports, including wine and barley.

China&nbsp;on Thursday suspended regular bilateral trade talks with Australia, in a move Canberra described as "disappointing".

China criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies.

China criticised New Zealand Thursday over "groundless" allegations about the ill-treatment of Uyghurs, underlining Wellington's struggle to find a middle ground between its largest trading partner and its traditional Western allies. Beijing expressed anger after New Zealand's parliament passed a watered-down motion Wednesday expressing "grave concern" at human rights abuses involving the Uyghur Muslim minority in China's Xinjiang province. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's ruling Labour Party insisted any reference to genocide was scrubbed out of the motion, which was submitted by a minor opposition party, but the move failed to appease China's embassy in Wellington. The embassy said in a statement that the New Zealand parliament was meddling in matters that concerned China's sovereignty. This move grossly interferes in China's internal affairs and runs counter to international law and basic norms governing international relations," it said. "The Chinese side deplores and firmly opposes such action." The embassy said the motion would "harm the mutual trust between China and NZ". Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' At least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps in Xinjiang, according to rights groups, who accuse authorities of forcibly sterilising women and imposing forced labour. Ardern's centre-left government has been noticeably less vocal than its allies in condemning the abuses, leading to accusations it is a weak link in the US-led Five Eyes intelligence alliance that also includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Ardern this week conceded New Zealand's differences with China on human rights were becoming "harder to reconcile", but said her government would continue to point out areas of concern to Beijing. However, allies such as Australia have been much blunter in their criticism, spurring punitive levies from Beijing on more than a dozen Australian imports, including wine and barley. China on Thursday suspended regular bilateral trade talks with Australia, in a move Canberra described as "disappointing".

China slams New Zealand over parliament motion on Uyghur Muslim abuse

China&nbsp;on Thursday said it "strongly&nbsp;condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

Foreign ministers from&nbsp;G7&nbsp;countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged&nbsp;China&nbsp;to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London.

The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in&nbsp;China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet.

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They also urged an end to the targeting of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;protesters in Hong Kong.

Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;for making "unfounded accusations against&nbsp;China&nbsp;and openly intervening in&nbsp;China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were&nbsp;China's own matters.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted&nbsp;China&nbsp;to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China&nbsp;principle.

Wang added the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community.

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"We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said.

Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where&nbsp;rights&nbsp;groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps.

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Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour.

The United States has since accused&nbsp;China&nbsp;of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in&nbsp;China&nbsp;were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide".

But&nbsp;China&nbsp;has decried the&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors".

The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region.

Although the&nbsp;G7&nbsp;members reserved their strongest&nbsp;criticism&nbsp;for&nbsp;China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops.&nbsp;

The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails.

But they held the door open to&nbsp;China&nbsp;for future cooperation.

The&nbsp;G7&nbsp;maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens.

China on Thursday said it "strongly condemns" a statement by the Group of Seven nations accusing Beijing of rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, as a schism with Western democracies widens. Foreign ministers from G7 countries Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged China to abide by its obligations under international and national law during their first face-to-face meeting in two years in London. The group said they were "deeply concerned" by alleged human rights violations and abuses against the minority Uyghur Muslim population in China's western Xinjiang region and Tibet. Also read | At G7, Biden will push allies to act on China's treatment of Uighurs: Report They also urged an end to the targeting of rights protesters in Hong Kong. Beijing was quick to hit back, railing against the G7 for making "unfounded accusations against China and openly intervening in China's internal affairs", Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. He said the group was engaged in the "wanton destruction of the norms of international relations", repeating Beijing's long-held line that those issues were China's own matters. The G7 statement also said the group supports Taiwan's participation in World Health Organization forums and the World Health Assembly, which prompted China to retort that the island's participation must be handled in line with the one-China principle. Wang added the G7 should do more to boost global economic recovery rather than causing "contradictions and differences" in the international community. Also read | New Zealand slams China's treatment of Uighurs, doesn't label it 'genocide' "We urge the relevant countries to face up to their own problems... and stop generalising on the concept of national security as well as other wrong practices," he said. Beijing's latest rebuke comes as tensions with Western nations grow and international criticism mounts over issues including Xinjiang, where rights groups estimate at least one million Uyghurs and people from other mostly Muslim minorities have been held in camps. Authorities in the area are also said to have forcibly sterilised women and imposed forced labour. The United States has since accused China of genocide and British MPs last month approved a symbolic parliamentary motion declaring that Uyghur Muslims in China were "suffering crimes against humanity and genocide". But China has decried the criticism over Xinjiang as lies, claiming that testimonies in news reports have been made by "a few fake actors". The country has since ramped up its propaganda, holding dozens of press briefings on the subject, while state-owned outlet CGTN released a four-part documentary series looking to justify the government's policies in the region. Although the G7 members reserved their strongest criticism for China, they also targeted Russia over "irresponsible and destablising behaviour" on the Ukrainian border where it has amassed troops. The group also called on Iran to release foreign and duals nations from its jails. But they held the door open to China for future cooperation. The G7 maintained they would look for ways to work with the world's second-largest economy "to promote regional and global peace, security and prosperity".

Persecution of Uyghur Muslims: China hits back at G7 rights criticism

Hundreds of Tibetans living in exile across the world voted in the final round of elections to choose their President and 45 Cabinet leaders for the government in exile.

Tibetans vote for their next President-in-exile

Speaking on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day against the Chinese occupation of the remote Himalayan region, the US house of representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi said the US will continue standing in support of the Tibetan people.

Pelosi also accused China of waging a campaign to destroy Tibet's culture and history by forcing locals to sacrifice their rights and freedom.

"Sixty-two years ago, brave Tibetans rose up against the Chinese invasion to protect their way of life and culture. Today, we continue to stand with the Tibetan people and honour those who sacrificed all for their rights and freedom," Pelosi said.

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>

Expressing solidarity with the Tibetan people, she said, "Tibetan men, women and children want simply to practice their faith, speak their language and celebrate their culture free from violence and intimidation. Yet, Beijing for decades has waged a campaign to destroy Tibet’s proud culture and history, which remains a clarion call for action to freedom-loving people worldwide."

The speaker's&nbsp;statement has come after the newly-elected Joe Biden administration said that the Chinese government should not have any role in the succession process of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

"This year, as we mark this solemn anniversary, we continue to take inspiration from the Dalai Lama’s powerful message of peace, faith and love," Pelosi said. "Guided by His Holiness’s spirit of hope, we will never rest in our efforts to advance freedom and opportunity in Tibet and throughout China – because if we do not stand up for human rights in China due to commercial interests, then we lose all moral authority to talk about human rights in any other place in the world. We will not be deterred in this vital mission."

Last year, former US President Donald Trump had signed a bill into law asking for the establishment of a US consulate in Tibet and also building an international coalition to ensure that the next Dalai Lama is appointed solely by the Tibetan Buddhist community, sans involvement of the Chinese government.

Speaking on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day against the Chinese occupation of the remote Himalayan region, the US house of representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi said the US will continue standing in support of the Tibetan people.

Speaking on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day against the Chinese occupation of the remote Himalayan region, the US house of representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi said the US will continue standing in support of the Tibetan people. Pelosi also accused China of waging a campaign to destroy Tibet's culture and history by forcing locals to sacrifice their rights and freedom. "Sixty-two years ago, brave Tibetans rose up against the Chinese invasion to protect their way of life and culture. Today, we continue to stand with the Tibetan people and honour those who sacrificed all for their rights and freedom," Pelosi said. Also read | Chinese government should have no role in succession process of the Dalai Lama: US Expressing solidarity with the Tibetan people, she said, "Tibetan men, women and children want simply to practice their faith, speak their language and celebrate their culture free from violence and intimidation. Yet, Beijing for decades has waged a campaign to destroy Tibet’s proud culture and history, which remains a clarion call for action to freedom-loving people worldwide." The speaker's statement has come after the newly-elected Joe Biden administration said that the Chinese government should not have any role in the succession process of Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. "This year, as we mark this solemn anniversary, we continue to take inspiration from the Dalai Lama’s powerful message of peace, faith and love," Pelosi said. "Guided by His Holiness’s spirit of hope, we will never rest in our efforts to advance freedom and opportunity in Tibet and throughout China – because if we do not stand up for human rights in China due to commercial interests, then we lose all moral authority to talk about human rights in any other place in the world. We will not be deterred in this vital mission." Last year, former US President Donald Trump had signed a bill into law asking for the establishment of a US consulate in Tibet and also building an international coalition to ensure that the next Dalai Lama is appointed solely by the Tibetan Buddhist community, sans involvement of the Chinese government.

Nancy Pelosi accuses China of destroying Tibet's culture and history

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

While Pakistan struggles, it's iron brother&nbsp;China is keen on giving more headaches to New Delhi. China has cleared a hydropower project in Tibet, close to the border with India.&nbsp;

These dams will be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra on the Chinese side.&nbsp;

So, let's understand why India has a reason to worry. The Mekong river, which flows through the Thai-Lao border, has vanished or gone dry in two years. &nbsp;

What happened to the Mekong can be understood from satellite images, where Chinese dams have been hoarding the water of the Mekong, while South East Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam are longing for its water.&nbsp;

Now, those living along the banks of the Brahmaputra could meet a similar fate. Reports say that&nbsp;Beijing has greenlighted the construction of dams on the river. They could be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra, which fall inside Tibet. Other major projects include the construction of coastal nuclear power plants and power transmission channels.&nbsp;

These plans are part of the 14th five-year plan of China. Reports say Beijing could build up to 60 giga watts of power generation capacity on the river, making it the biggest hydropower project in the world. One that would overtake China's own Three Gorges dam that produces 22.5 giga watts of power.&nbsp;

India is said to be considering its own plans to build a dam on the Brahmaputra, while there is concern that Beijing wants to control the flow of waters towards India. &nbsp;

Bigger problems could be in store. According to a report, environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists are against these Chinese projects. They believe the dams could 'wreak environmental havoc' and have a severe impact on downstream water supplies. One analyst fears that the constant construction could lead to earthquakes and landslides and even submerge land and forests under water and endanger wildlife.&nbsp;

The dams pose a threat to human life too. Case in point: the Three Gorges dam. Beijing touted this project as the world's largest dam. It ended up flooding 13 cities, 140 towns and more than 1,000 villages. According to one estimate, more than one million people were displaced. Now, similar concerns are being raised about the Chinese dams on the Brahmaputra. Experts fear that they could lead to floods or droughts and cause immense environmental destruction.&nbsp;

While Pakistan struggles, it's iron brother China is keen on giving more headaches to New Delhi. China has cleared a hydropower project in Tibet, close to the border with India.

While Pakistan struggles, it's iron brother China is keen on giving more headaches to New Delhi. China has cleared a hydropower project in Tibet, close to the border with India. These dams will be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra on the Chinese side. So, let's understand why India has a reason to worry. The Mekong river, which flows through the Thai-Lao border, has vanished or gone dry in two years. What happened to the Mekong can be understood from satellite images, where Chinese dams have been hoarding the water of the Mekong, while South East Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam are longing for its water. Now, those living along the banks of the Brahmaputra could meet a similar fate. Reports say that Beijing has greenlighted the construction of dams on the river. They could be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra, which fall inside Tibet. Other major projects include the construction of coastal nuclear power plants and power transmission channels. These plans are part of the 14th five-year plan of China. Reports say Beijing could build up to 60 giga watts of power generation capacity on the river, making it the biggest hydropower project in the world. One that would overtake China's own Three Gorges dam that produces 22.5 giga watts of power. India is said to be considering its own plans to build a dam on the Brahmaputra, while there is concern that Beijing wants to control the flow of waters towards India. Bigger problems could be in store. According to a report, environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists are against these Chinese projects. They believe the dams could 'wreak environmental havoc' and have a severe impact on downstream water supplies. One analyst fears that the constant construction could lead to earthquakes and landslides and even submerge land and forests under water and endanger wildlife. The dams pose a threat to human life too. Case in point: the Three Gorges dam. Beijing touted this project as the world's largest dam. It ended up flooding 13 cities, 140 towns and more than 1,000 villages. According to one estimate, more than one million people were displaced. Now, similar concerns are being raised about the Chinese dams on the Brahmaputra. Experts fear that they could lead to floods or droughts and cause immense environmental destruction.

China's hydropower project in Tibet a reason to worry for India 

A plan to build a 'passageway' to South Asia through Tibet has been included in China's 14th five-year-plan, reported the state-run media. Xinhua said that Tibet "will be supported" to build an important passageway" opening to South Asia.

Beijing plans passage to South Asia through Nepal and Tibet

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