Chinese authorities are exerting "extreme pressure" to force rural Tibetans into mass relocation from their villages, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).&nbsp;These new findings were revealed in a 71-page report, titled ‘Educate the Masses to Change Their Minds’: China’s Coercive Relocation of Rural Tibetans.&nbsp;

The treatment of Tibetans by the Chinese government has been a subject of intense international scrutiny and controversy for decades. Now the report put a spotlight on the mass relocation.

The report pointed out that since 2016, officials have relocated or are in the process of relocating 500 villages in the Tibet Autonomous Region, displacing over 140,000 residents to distant locations.

According to the report, these programmes amount to forced evictions in breach of international law that countries are supposed to adhere to.&nbsp;

The report is based on over 1,000 official Chinese media articles from 2016 to 2023 and includes three case studies with video evidence.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/california-court-reviews-law-on-app-based-drivers-classification-as-contractors-724142">California Court reviews law on app-based drivers' classification as contractors</a>

It revealed how Chinese officials pressure residents into "consenting" to relocate through intense “publicity work” and “door-to-door ideological work” during home visits.&nbsp;

One particular instance is now raising eyebrows where 200 out of 262 households in a Nagchu Municipality village initially resisted relocation but eventually agreed "voluntarily."&nbsp;

However, the report said that in many of these instances, Chinese officials resorted to repeated visits and threats of service cuts.

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Acting China director at Human Rights Watch&nbsp;Maya Wang said,&nbsp;“The Chinese government says that the relocation of Tibetan villages is voluntary, but official media reports contradict this claim."

“Those reports make clear that when a whole village is targeted for relocation, it is practically impossible for the residents to refuse to move without facing serious repercussions,” Wang added.&nbsp;

<h2>Poor families targeted&nbsp;</h2>

HRW found that officials use pressure and threats of administrative and criminal penalties against dissenters.&nbsp;Additionally, officials employ “individual household relocation,” targeting poorer families for moves to areas purportedly better for income generation.

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Between 2016 and 2020, an estimated 567,000 people were relocated under this programme.

Many relocated individuals struggle to find employment, having been moved to peri-urban areas where their farming or herding skills are irrelevant.

HRW warned that these relocations are part of China's efforts to destroy Tibetan culture which threatens to devastate Tibetan communities. Forced to abandon traditional livelihoods, many Tibetans find themselves seeking work in unfamiliar industries, eroding their cultural heritage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese authorities are exerting "extreme pressure" to force rural Tibetans into mass relocation from their villages, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Chinese authorities are exerting "extreme pressure" to force rural Tibetans into mass relocation from their villages, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). These new findings were revealed in a 71-page report, titled ‘Educate the Masses to Change Their Minds’: China’s Coercive Relocation of Rural Tibetans. The treatment of Tibetans by the Chinese government has been a subject of intense international scrutiny and controversy for decades. Now the report put a spotlight on the mass relocation. The report pointed out that since 2016, officials have relocated or are in the process of relocating 500 villages in the Tibet Autonomous Region, displacing over 140,000 residents to distant locations. According to the report, these programmes amount to forced evictions in breach of international law that countries are supposed to adhere to. The report is based on over 1,000 official Chinese media articles from 2016 to 2023 and includes three case studies with video evidence. Also Read | California Court reviews law on app-based drivers' classification as contractors It revealed how Chinese officials pressure residents into "consenting" to relocate through intense “publicity work” and “door-to-door ideological work” during home visits. One particular instance is now raising eyebrows where 200 out of 262 households in a Nagchu Municipality village initially resisted relocation but eventually agreed "voluntarily." However, the report said that in many of these instances, Chinese officials resorted to repeated visits and threats of service cuts. Also Read | Thousands at Iran's late president Raisi's funeral procession in Tehran Acting China director at Human Rights Watch Maya Wang said, “The Chinese government says that the relocation of Tibetan villages is voluntary, but official media reports contradict this claim." “Those reports make clear that when a whole village is targeted for relocation, it is practically impossible for the residents to refuse to move without facing serious repercussions,” Wang added. Poor families targeted HRW found that officials use pressure and threats of administrative and criminal penalties against dissenters. Additionally, officials employ “individual household relocation,” targeting poorer families for moves to areas purportedly better for income generation. Watch | Hush Money Trial: Trump's hush money trial near its end × Between 2016 and 2020, an estimated 567,000 people were relocated under this programme. Many relocated individuals struggle to find employment, having been moved to peri-urban areas where their farming or herding skills are irrelevant. HRW warned that these relocations are part of China's efforts to destroy Tibetan culture which threatens to devastate Tibetan communities. Forced to abandon traditional livelihoods, many Tibetans find themselves seeking work in unfamiliar industries, eroding their cultural heritage. (With inputs from agencies)

China using 'extreme forms of pressure to coerce' Tibetan villagers into mass relocation

Exiled Tibetans living in the Indian city of Dharamshala mark the 65th anniversary of their Uprising against China today. Back in 1959 the incident led to over 80,000 Tibetans fleeing to India along with the spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. Watch to know more!

Tibetans in Dharamsala, Delhi hold march to commemorate 65th 'National Uprising Day'

China is increasing its surveillance of Tibetans. According to a new report, Chinese authorities are forcing Tibetans to down an anti-fraud app which experts warn could be a tool for surveillance. Concerns have been flagged over the app’s ability to track movements and access phone data. Activists and researchers warn type of surveillance is in line with measures taken by the Chinese authorities in Xinjiang.

Gravitas | China silently spies on Tibetans | Beijing's new weapon of mass surveillance

The United States has announced it will impose visa sanctions on Chinese officials that are pursuing "forced assimilation" of children in Tibet. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (August 23) said Washington would go after Chinese officials who are behind the policy of state boarding schools forcefully assimilating over one million Tibetan children in government-run boarding schools.&nbsp;

"@StateDept is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on PRC officials for the forcible assimilation of Tibetan children in government-run boarding schools. We call on the PRC to cease these actions that undermine human rights," posted&nbsp;Blinken,&nbsp;referring to the People’s Republic of China.

Blinken argued the 'coercive' policies of the Chinese government seek&nbsp;to eliminate Tibet’s distinct linguistic, cultural and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans.&nbsp;

After Blinken's stern statements, Beijing retaliated and dubbed the move as "smears". It urged Washington to avoid bringing measures that interfere with the country's sovereignty.

According to a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, centralising children in boarding school&nbsp;“effectively solves the problem of ethnic minority students’ difficulty in attending school at a distance where the local people live scattered".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-report-chinese-authorities-gathering-dna-samples-across-tibet-514995" target="_blank">WATCH | WION Fineprint| Report: Chinese authorities gathering DNA samples across Tibet</a>

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<h2>Chinese academics&nbsp;bat&nbsp;for changing Tibet's name&nbsp;</h2>

Notably, the decision by Washington comes a few days after Chinese academics called for renaming Tibet to&nbsp;Xizang to help "reconstruct" its image. The appeal came&nbsp;during an official conference on Tibet held in Beijing.&nbsp;

The details of the conference were mentioned in a WeChat account managed by the United Front Work Department (UFWD), the SCMP report added. UFWD is an agency in charge of overseeing matters pertaining to ethnic and minority groups.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-academics-call-for-tibet-to-be-known-as-xizang-to-reconstruct-image-626677">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese academics call for renaming Tibet as Xizang for ‘reconstructing’ image</a>

For a long time, China has been attempting to transform the identity and culture of Tibetans after forcefully occupying it. Last year,&nbsp;a study published by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab revealed that Beijing had&nbsp;collected over 1.2 million DNA samples of Tibetans in the last five years.

The study reached its conclusion by analysing 100 publically available sources. Experts said China's aim is to create a gene pool to police ordinary Tibetans.&nbsp;

Notably, Tibetans are not the only minorities that are treated horribly by the Chinese government. The Xi Jinping administration is known for operating inhumane and cruel concentration camps for Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang province of the country. Beijing continues to claim these camps are vocational centres.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States has announced it will impose visa sanctions on Chinese officials that are pursuing "forced assimilation" of children in Tibet. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (August 23) said Washington would go after Chinese officials who are behind the policy of state boarding schools forcefully assimilating over one million Tibetan children in government-run boarding schools.

The United States has announced it will impose visa sanctions on Chinese officials that are pursuing "forced assimilation" of children in Tibet. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (August 23) said Washington would go after Chinese officials who are behind the policy of state boarding schools forcefully assimilating over one million Tibetan children in government-run boarding schools. "@StateDept is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on PRC officials for the forcible assimilation of Tibetan children in government-run boarding schools. We call on the PRC to cease these actions that undermine human rights," posted Blinken, referring to the People’s Republic of China. Blinken argued the 'coercive' policies of the Chinese government seek to eliminate Tibet’s distinct linguistic, cultural and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans. After Blinken's stern statements, Beijing retaliated and dubbed the move as "smears". It urged Washington to avoid bringing measures that interfere with the country's sovereignty. According to a spokesman for the Chinese embassy in Washington, centralising children in boarding school “effectively solves the problem of ethnic minority students’ difficulty in attending school at a distance where the local people live scattered". WATCH | WION Fineprint| Report: Chinese authorities gathering DNA samples across Tibet × Chinese academics bat for changing Tibet's name Notably, the decision by Washington comes a few days after Chinese academics called for renaming Tibet to Xizang to help "reconstruct" its image. The appeal came during an official conference on Tibet held in Beijing. The details of the conference were mentioned in a WeChat account managed by the United Front Work Department (UFWD), the SCMP report added. UFWD is an agency in charge of overseeing matters pertaining to ethnic and minority groups. Also read | Chinese academics call for renaming Tibet as Xizang for ‘reconstructing’ image For a long time, China has been attempting to transform the identity and culture of Tibetans after forcefully occupying it. Last year, a study published by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab revealed that Beijing had collected over 1.2 million DNA samples of Tibetans in the last five years. The study reached its conclusion by analysing 100 publically available sources. Experts said China's aim is to create a gene pool to police ordinary Tibetans. Notably, Tibetans are not the only minorities that are treated horribly by the Chinese government. The Xi Jinping administration is known for operating inhumane and cruel concentration camps for Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang province of the country. Beijing continues to claim these camps are vocational centres. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

US announces visa sanctions on Chinese officials for forcible assimilation of Tibetans

Tibetans in Nepal celebrate Dalai Lama's 88th birthday

The Tibetan community across the globe is stunned to see how the Dalai Lama's viral video where he is asking a small boy to “suck” his tongue has been misinterpreted and hypersexualised to taint the image of their exiled spiritual leader.

Pushing back against reports in a section of media, the Tibetans are claiming that the video is being misused by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propagandists to discredit the Dalai Lama and legitimise China's control over Tibet.

In the viral video, the Dalai Lama is seen hugging the child and apparently asking him for a peck on his cheek. After that, he is seen kissing the boy on the lips. The leader then stuck his tongue out and asked the boy to “suck my tongue”.

In Tibetan culture, people have been following the tradition of sticking out their tongues, which goes back to the 9th century, to greet each other.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-of-dalai-lama-asking-boy-to-suck-his-lips-goes-viral-sparks-row-580866">Dalai Lama apologises to boy's family over 'kissing' video</a>

The video of the spiritual leader suddenly went viral, with many calling the action inappropriate and even alleging it to be a case of child abuse.

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Sadly everything in the modern Western world is too hyper sexualised. The Dalai Lama jokingly made a kissing face to greet his friend Desmond Tutu, only those with a severe case of porn brain could see this as sexual <a href="https://t.co/qkNfDOUhzv">pic.twitter.com/qkNfDOUhzv</a>
— Drew Pavlou (@DrewPavlou) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrewPavlou/status/1645650320662597632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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But US-based Tibetan journalist Tsering Kyi, while speaking to VICE World News, said that the Dalai Lama has been the target of CCP for the past 70 years and the viral video is just another attempt to discredit him while misinterpreting Tibetan culture.

“I still remember when the great Christian spiritual leader, Desmond Tutu, visited the Dalai Lama in India, and they hugged and kissed like two pure kids. It was a beautiful display of love, but some people with dirty minds interpreted it as something else back then too,” the journalist said.

“English is his second language, so sometimes His Holiness uses words that make some people uncomfortable. “However, it doesn't necessarily mean that he intends to be negative,” Kyi added.

Meanwhile, another Tibetan, explaining their traditional way of greeting each other, said, "It's been our traditional way of greeting. I have also seen [the Dalai Lama] being playful with Tibetans. For us, it is sad that it has been misinterpreted by the international community. The event was held more than a month ago, why are we seeing this just now?”

WATCH | India: Tibetan leader Dalai Lama attends prayer for his long life in Dharamshala

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The Dalai Lama’s office issued an apology on Monday after the viral video drew criticism.

Reacting to the apology in a Facebook post, a Tibetan mother of three children said, “No apology was ever needed from His Holiness. No apology. No explanation. No statement. Because pure unadulterated acts of love, faith, and compassion DO NOT require any apology.”

Tenzin Pema explained how the Tibetan culture has been misconstrued and hypersexualised to set a false narrative against the Dalai Lama.

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“Because an "oothuk" - foreheads touching to represent pure love, respect in our culture - does not require an apology. Because a kiss or a "po" on the lips given by elders to little children and by young children to elders is common in our culture and another sign of pure, unabashed love,” she said.

She also explained how “blow into the face" represents hope in Tibetan culture. “For the word "blow" or the act of "blow-ing" represents hope and faith and peace and contentment and fulfilment and compassion and kindness... in our culture and to our people,” Pema said.

She added that even the most highlighted part of the video “suck my tongue” was a wrong translation of the words "nge che le jip", which is a common playful refrain used by Tibetan elders.&nbsp;

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The Tibetan community across the globe is stunned to see how the Dalai Lama's viral video where he is asking a small boy to “suck” his tongue has been misinterpreted and hypersexualised to taint the image of their exiled spiritual leader.

The Tibetan community across the globe is stunned to see how the Dalai Lama's viral video where he is asking a small boy to “suck” his tongue has been misinterpreted and hypersexualised to taint the image of their exiled spiritual leader. Pushing back against reports in a section of media, the Tibetans are claiming that the video is being misused by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propagandists to discredit the Dalai Lama and legitimise China's control over Tibet. In the viral video, the Dalai Lama is seen hugging the child and apparently asking him for a peck on his cheek. After that, he is seen kissing the boy on the lips. The leader then stuck his tongue out and asked the boy to “suck my tongue”. In Tibetan culture, people have been following the tradition of sticking out their tongues, which goes back to the 9th century, to greet each other. ALSO READ | Dalai Lama apologises to boy's family over 'kissing' video The video of the spiritual leader suddenly went viral, with many calling the action inappropriate and even alleging it to be a case of child abuse. Sadly everything in the modern Western world is too hyper sexualised. The Dalai Lama jokingly made a kissing face to greet his friend Desmond Tutu, only those with a severe case of porn brain could see this as sexual pic.twitter.com/qkNfDOUhzv — Drew Pavlou (@DrewPavlou) April 11, 2023 × But US-based Tibetan journalist Tsering Kyi, while speaking to VICE World News, said that the Dalai Lama has been the target of CCP for the past 70 years and the viral video is just another attempt to discredit him while misinterpreting Tibetan culture. “I still remember when the great Christian spiritual leader, Desmond Tutu, visited the Dalai Lama in India, and they hugged and kissed like two pure kids. It was a beautiful display of love, but some people with dirty minds interpreted it as something else back then too,” the journalist said. “English is his second language, so sometimes His Holiness uses words that make some people uncomfortable. “However, it doesn't necessarily mean that he intends to be negative,” Kyi added. Meanwhile, another Tibetan, explaining their traditional way of greeting each other, said, "It's been our traditional way of greeting. I have also seen [the Dalai Lama] being playful with Tibetans. For us, it is sad that it has been misinterpreted by the international community. The event was held more than a month ago, why are we seeing this just now?” WATCH | India: Tibetan leader Dalai Lama attends prayer for his long life in Dharamshala The Dalai Lama’s office issued an apology on Monday after the viral video drew criticism. Reacting to the apology in a Facebook post, a Tibetan mother of three children said, “No apology was ever needed from His Holiness. No apology. No explanation. No statement. Because pure unadulterated acts of love, faith, and compassion DO NOT require any apology.” Tenzin Pema explained how the Tibetan culture has been misconstrued and hypersexualised to set a false narrative against the Dalai Lama. × “Because an "oothuk" - foreheads touching to represent pure love, respect in our culture - does not require an apology. Because a kiss or a "po" on the lips given by elders to little children and by young children to elders is common in our culture and another sign of pure, unabashed love,” she said. She also explained how “blow into the face" represents hope in Tibetan culture. “For the word "blow" or the act of "blow-ing" represents hope and faith and peace and contentment and fulfilment and compassion and kindness... in our culture and to our people,” Pema said. She added that even the most highlighted part of the video “suck my tongue” was a wrong translation of the words "nge che le jip", which is a common playful refrain used by Tibetan elders. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tibetans say Dalai Lama’s ‘suck my tongue’ video highly misconstrued, 'hypersexualised'

Tibetans marched outside the International Olympic Committee headquarters to protest against Beijing hosting the winter games.

Tibetans protest against 'Games of shame' at IOC headquarters

TS Tirumurti, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, remarked that India has always been a land of refuge.&nbsp;

He was speaking at a UNSC briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday.

He added that when Zoroastrians and Jews were persecuted centuries ago, they found a welcoming home in India.

He claimed that India has always responded with compassion and understanding to Tibetans as well as our brothers and sisters from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.&nbsp;

"India's humanitarian response to the refugee issue, particularly those facing persecution, has always been driven by the ideals of compassion and empathy. When faced with persecution centuries ago, Jews and Zoroastrians found a ready home in India. If not for India, the Zorastraian faith may not have survived. Now, both are very much part of India's proud pluralist culture and heritage, " he stated. 
&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainUNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainUNSC</a> 
 
“India’s humanitarian response to the refugee issue, particularly those facing persecution, has always been driven by the ideals of compassion and empathy” 
 
Watch 📺: Permanent Representative <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmbTSTirumurti</a> speaks at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> briefing by <a href="https://twitter.com/Refugees?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Refugees</a> 
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— India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNNewYork/status/1468441650653372417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/thousands-flee-myanmar-for-india-amid-fears-of-a-growing-refugee-crisis-422205">Also read | Thousands flee Myanmar for India amid fears of a growing refugee crisis</a>

The Indian Ambassador emphasised that India is now hosting a huge number of refugees, and that the programmes to aid them are totally funded by the government. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-provide-refuge-to-afghans-amid-deteriorating-situation-plans-afoot-405438">Also read | India to provide refuge to Afghans amid deteriorating situation, plans afoot</a>

He stated that India is dedicated to assisting refugees in returning to their homes in a dignified, safe, and long-term manner.&nbsp;

Tirumurti further said, "India assists refugees elsewhere as well notably through partnering UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for the Palestine Refugees in the Near East since long. India continues to remain supportive of UNRWA's role in human development and delivery of humanitarian services. We have enhanced our contribution further in recent years."

He expressed India's worry about the rising number of refugees and internally displaced individuals within the UNHCR's mission, which now stands at over 91 million.

According to Ambassador Tirumurti, preventing violent conflicts, combating terrorism, and establishing and maintaining peace through sustainable development and good governance will prevent people from being compelled to flee their homes.&nbsp;

Tirumurti emphasised that the refugee crisis is a worldwide issue that no single country can handle it alone.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

TS Tirumurti, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, remarked that India has always been a land of refuge. He was speaking at a UNSC briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday.

TS Tirumurti, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, remarked that India has always been a land of refuge. He was speaking at a UNSC briefing by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday. He added that when Zoroastrians and Jews were persecuted centuries ago, they found a welcoming home in India. He claimed that India has always responded with compassion and understanding to Tibetans as well as our brothers and sisters from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. "India's humanitarian response to the refugee issue, particularly those facing persecution, has always been driven by the ideals of compassion and empathy. When faced with persecution centuries ago, Jews and Zoroastrians found a ready home in India. If not for India, the Zorastraian faith may not have survived. Now, both are very much part of India's proud pluralist culture and heritage, " he stated. #IndiainUNSC “India’s humanitarian response to the refugee issue, particularly those facing persecution, has always been driven by the ideals of compassion and empathy” Watch 📺: Permanent Representative @AmbTSTirumurti speaks at the #UNSC briefing by @Refugees @MeaIndia pic.twitter.com/QnDXqllPoF — India at UN, NY (@IndiaUNNewYork) December 8, 2021 × Also read | Thousands flee Myanmar for India amid fears of a growing refugee crisis The Indian Ambassador emphasised that India is now hosting a huge number of refugees, and that the programmes to aid them are totally funded by the government. Also read | India to provide refuge to Afghans amid deteriorating situation, plans afoot He stated that India is dedicated to assisting refugees in returning to their homes in a dignified, safe, and long-term manner. Tirumurti further said, "India assists refugees elsewhere as well notably through partnering UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for the Palestine Refugees in the Near East since long. India continues to remain supportive of UNRWA's role in human development and delivery of humanitarian services. We have enhanced our contribution further in recent years." He expressed India's worry about the rising number of refugees and internally displaced individuals within the UNHCR's mission, which now stands at over 91 million. According to Ambassador Tirumurti, preventing violent conflicts, combating terrorism, and establishing and maintaining peace through sustainable development and good governance will prevent people from being compelled to flee their homes. Tirumurti emphasised that the refugee crisis is a worldwide issue that no single country can handle it alone. (With inputs from agencies)

'Jews, Tibetans, or Bangladeshis': We saved millions of refugees, says India at UN

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

China is pushing hundreds and thousands of rural Tibetans into forced labour camps, mirroring a program in the western Xinjiang region. Watch report.

Tibet: China expands labour camps, Mandatory vocational training centres set up

China is implementing its Xinjiang playbook in Tibet. According to a report, Tibetans are being forced into 'military styled' indoctrination camps.

Gravitas: After the Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang, China targets Tibetans

The Tibetan government-in-exile based in India is preparing to hold parliamentary elections next year. The Tibetan Election Commission has also announced dates for voter registration.

Tibetans prepare for parliamentary polls, voters can register from September

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Wednesday, said that Tibetans retain the power of truth while China exercises the power of guns.

In a message to the Chinese government on the occasion of Christmas, the Lama said, "China today has the biggest population of Buddhists. But they believe that their religion is very scientific. However, we have the power of truth. Chinese communists have the power of guns. In the long run, the power of truth is much stronger than the power of guns."

The spiritual leader also stressed that as human being everybody should take a resolution to be happy and content and lead peaceful lives. Peace lies in compassion and warm-heartedness and being a social animal, all human beings have compassion by birth, he said.

At the same time, people should also make use of their brain and analyse the value of material things surrounding them. Material things are temporary. For example, someone is a billionaire but maybe mentally unhappy.

"So happiness is peace of mind. Either we believe this religion or that; we all have the potential of being warm-hearted," he added.

"Today, one human being is killing the other in the name of religion. But they should all note that every religion carries the same message of love. We should all try to promote religious harmony," the leader stressed.

Lastly, the Lama, "being a Tibetan" himself, further called for the preservation of Tibetan culture and customs.&nbsp;

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Wednesday, said that Tibetans retain the power of truth while China exercises the power of guns. In a message to the Chinese government on the occasion of Christmas, the Lama said, "China today has the biggest population of Buddhists.

Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, on Wednesday, said that Tibetans retain the power of truth while China exercises the power of guns. In a message to the Chinese government on the occasion of Christmas, the Lama said, "China today has the biggest population of Buddhists. But they believe that their religion is very scientific. However, we have the power of truth. Chinese communists have the power of guns. In the long run, the power of truth is much stronger than the power of guns." The spiritual leader also stressed that as human being everybody should take a resolution to be happy and content and lead peaceful lives. Peace lies in compassion and warm-heartedness and being a social animal, all human beings have compassion by birth, he said. At the same time, people should also make use of their brain and analyse the value of material things surrounding them. Material things are temporary. For example, someone is a billionaire but maybe mentally unhappy. "So happiness is peace of mind. Either we believe this religion or that; we all have the potential of being warm-hearted," he added. "Today, one human being is killing the other in the name of religion. But they should all note that every religion carries the same message of love. We should all try to promote religious harmony," the leader stressed. Lastly, the Lama, "being a Tibetan" himself, further called for the preservation of Tibetan culture and customs.

Tibetans retain power of truth, China exercises power of guns: Dalai Lama

US envoy for religious freedom Sam Brownback defended his remark that China is "at war with faith" after the Chinese foreign ministry issued an angry statement condemning the envoy's words as a "malicious attack and slander on China's religious policies".

Brownback criticised the Chinese government in a speech on Friday in Hong Kong, saying the Chinese government is engaged in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-treatment-of-uighurs-a-great-embarrassment-for-humanity-turkey-196302">the persecution of Muslim Uighurs</a>, Tibetan Buddhists, Christians and Falun Gong practitioners.

He described China's "war with faith" as "a war which they will not win".

The speech prompted a sternly worded response from the Chinese foreign ministry office in Hong Kong saying "we ask the US to respect the facts, stop the arrogance and prejudice and cease using religious issues to interfere in China's internal affairs".

Speaking to reporters in Taiwan on Monday during a forum on religious freedom, Brownback said his office has a list of hundreds of names of individuals in China who were missing and allegedly persecuted for their faith.&nbsp;

"Where are they? What is happening to them? Why can't their family members hear from them?" Brownback asked, challenging the Chinese government to respond to questions regarding the whereabouts of these individuals.&nbsp;

"The United States has designated (China) in its most problematic category of countries that persecute people of faith ... since 1999. &nbsp;And the situation has gotten notably worse in the last two years," he added.&nbsp;

"We are calling on alliances of countries and individuals to step up and to oppose these things when they take place."

According to UN experts, nearly one million Uighurs and other Turkic language-speaking minorities are being held in detention centres in Xinjiang. Beijing denied the claim saying they are in "vocational education centres".

Around half of China's 100 million Christians encounter persecution, "the worst it's been in more than a decade" following "new laws seeking to control religious expression," said Open Doors, a global advocacy group in a January report.

Brownback was in Taiwan for a two-day forum on religious freedom jointly sponsored by Taiwan and the United States.&nbsp;

President Tsai Ing-wen in her opening address said Taiwan will always choose to stand with "those who were oppressed and whose religious rights were taken away by authoritarian regimes".

"Taiwan knows how it feels when someone tries to take away your rights, wipe out your identity, and challenge your way of life," Tsai said in an apparent reference to Beijing's political and military pressure towards Taiwan.

US envoy for religious freedom Sam Brownback defended his remark that China is "at war with faith" after the Chinese foreign ministry issued an angry statement condemning the envoy's words as a "malicious attack and slander on China's religious policies".

US envoy for religious freedom Sam Brownback defended his remark that China is "at war with faith" after the Chinese foreign ministry issued an angry statement condemning the envoy's words as a "malicious attack and slander on China's religious policies". Brownback criticised the Chinese government in a speech on Friday in Hong Kong, saying the Chinese government is engaged in the persecution of Muslim Uighurs, Tibetan Buddhists, Christians and Falun Gong practitioners. He described China's "war with faith" as "a war which they will not win". The speech prompted a sternly worded response from the Chinese foreign ministry office in Hong Kong saying "we ask the US to respect the facts, stop the arrogance and prejudice and cease using religious issues to interfere in China's internal affairs". Speaking to reporters in Taiwan on Monday during a forum on religious freedom, Brownback said his office has a list of hundreds of names of individuals in China who were missing and allegedly persecuted for their faith. "Where are they? What is happening to them? Why can't their family members hear from them?" Brownback asked, challenging the Chinese government to respond to questions regarding the whereabouts of these individuals. "The United States has designated (China) in its most problematic category of countries that persecute people of faith ... since 1999. And the situation has gotten notably worse in the last two years," he added. "We are calling on alliances of countries and individuals to step up and to oppose these things when they take place." According to UN experts, nearly one million Uighurs and other Turkic language-speaking minorities are being held in detention centres in Xinjiang. Beijing denied the claim saying they are in "vocational education centres". Around half of China's 100 million Christians encounter persecution, "the worst it's been in more than a decade" following "new laws seeking to control religious expression," said Open Doors, a global advocacy group in a January report. Brownback was in Taiwan for a two-day forum on religious freedom jointly sponsored by Taiwan and the United States. President Tsai Ing-wen in her opening address said Taiwan will always choose to stand with "those who were oppressed and whose religious rights were taken away by authoritarian regimes". "Taiwan knows how it feels when someone tries to take away your rights, wipe out your identity, and challenge your way of life," Tsai said in an apparent reference to Beijing's political and military pressure towards Taiwan.

China 'at war with faith': US envoy defends remark

Tibetans protest Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi's India visit

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