Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the Tibetan President in Exile, provided insights into ongoing back-channel negotiations with China and outlined the Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) strategic plans. The discussions come amid broader geopolitical issues, including China’s renaming of territories and the historical role of Tibetan soldiers in Indian wars.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering confirmed that back-channel talks with Chinese authorities have been ongoing, facilitated through a third country. “We have been having back-channel negotiations with the Chinese side,” Tsering stated. “However, nothing substantive has emerged from these discussions. The talks were initiated by the Chinese side, but we do not have high expectations at this stage.”
The Sikyong also highlighted the CTA’s concerns about China’s recent actions in South and Southeast Asia. Beijing’s efforts to rename Tibetan territories and assert control over regions in India and other countries in South East Asia like the Phillipines,Japan and Vietnam etc have been met with strong opposition. “China’s renaming of Tibetan territories is a blatant attempt to undermine our cultural and geographical identity,” Tsering said. “We are working on creating a map that accurately reflects Tibetan names for these regions to counteract Beijing’s efforts.”
Additionally, Tsering emphasized the historical contributions of Tibetan soldiers in Indian wars, noting that their sacrifices are often overlooked. “Tibetan soldiers played a significant role in supporting Indian defense during critical periods,” he explained. “Their bravery and contributions should be recognized and remembered.”
The CTA plans to disseminate a legitimate map of Tibet and other strategic communications to challenge China’s narrative and reclaim cultural and historical accuracy. “We aim to spread awareness and assert our geographical and cultural identity through these initiatives,” Tsering added.
The CTA’s efforts align with a broader strategy to strengthen international support and counteract Chinese disinformation. The recent signing of the Resolve Tibet Act by U.S. President Joe Biden, which empowers U.S. officials to challenge Chinese propaganda about Tibet, reflects growing global engagement with the Tibetan issue.
As these developments unfold, the CTA remains committed to advocating for Tibetan autonomy and preserving cultural heritage in the face of ongoing challenges.
