Penpa Tsering was sworn-in as the new President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), or the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, on Wednesday for a second term even as he vowed to work towards seeking a resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict by following His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama’s “Middle Way Policy”.
“Given the Chinese government’s current policy direction towards the nationalities, there does not seem to be much space for negotiations,” he said at the oath taking ceremony, “Nevertheless, the 17th Kashag remains firmly committed to the “Middle Way Policy” envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, which seeks a resolution to the Sino-Tibet conflict through non-violence, dialogue, and mutual benefit that would be lasting.
“Accordingly, until a resolution is achieved, we will continue the backchannel communications with caution and steadiness with the Chinese government while pursuing strategies to strengthen international recognition and support for the Middle Way Policy.”
The ceremony took place at the grand Dalai Lama Temple located in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in attendance. The temple was thronged by hundreds of people, who came from all parts of the world. Cultural programmes and shows by children from the Tibetan diaspora added to the colour of the celebrations.
The Sikyong – Tibetan for President – spoke about the United States Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020 that authorise sanctions against Chinese officials “who interfere in the recognition” of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation.
He also spoke about the 2024 Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act (“Resolve Tibet Act”), which acknowledge Tibet’s historical status and recognises the Tibet-China dispute as unresolved that needs to be resolved under the international law.
“The most pressing challenge in Tibet today is the Chinese government’s systematic and overarching state-backed implementation of policies aimed at erasing Tibetan National Identity. At the same time, China has deliberately spread misinformation and propaganda to create division within exile communities—including the Central Tibetan Administration, Tibetan organizations, and support groups—thereby weakening the unity of the Tibetan struggle movement,” said Tsering amidst loud applause from the audience.
He said, “It is therefore essential for all to remain vigilant against such interference. Particularly, those engaged in the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group and Support Groups for Tibet must strengthen their awareness, coordinate their efforts, and collectively raise issues of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity at both international and national levels.”
He also said the CTA has to be further strengthened in order to advance the cause of Tibet.
Tsering, who first became the CTA President in 2021, also spoke about the “unyielding commitment of the Tibetan people inside Tibet. Their (Tibetan living in Tibet) devotion and longing for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and their determination to preserve our National Identity. This remains the main source of inspiration that drives our work,” he added.
Addressing specifically the Tibetan diaspora residing in India, Tsering, who has been born and brought-up in India, said, “Tibetans in exile must not only adhere to the Charter of Tibetans-in-Exile and its governing regulations. But also, compliance with international norms and the laws of host countries is a fundamental promise of our Charter and essential to sustaining our existence in exile.”
“The 16th Kashag has consistently worked to ensure this commitment is effectively implemented across the Tibetan Administration and its autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies. And we will continue to do so. Moreover, living in harmony and in accordance with the law of our host countries is not only vital for a peaceful and stable life, but also a key means of upholding the dignity and values that Tibetan people embody,” said Tsering.
The Kashag is the highest executive body or cabinet of the CTA. Tsering will now be presiding over the 17th Kashag.
“We therefore urge all Tibetans to remember our shared identity as political exiles, set aside differences, foster unity, and fulfil our individual responsibilities toward the common cause of Tibet,” he said.
Addressing Tibetans in Tibet he said, “Despite the Chinese government’s systematic efforts to undermine Tibetan national identity, China cannot weaken the Tibetan people’s enduring bond with their homeland. Since the dawn of civilization, Tibetans have remained the rightful custodians of the Land of Snow, sustained by a deep spiritual and cultural connection.
“We therefore urge Tibetans within Tibet to begin at the household level by nurturing in their children a strong sense of identity rooted in the Tibetan language, religion, and culture.”
Last week, the Chinese govern lashed out at the CTA saying that it is “not recognized by any sovereign country, and its leadership has neither the legitimacy to represent the Tibetan people nor the authority to make claims regarding the reincarnation process.”
