Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is launching its 2024 winter tourism initiative to attract visitors during the traditionally quieter months. The campaign offers a range of attractive incentives, including discounted flights, free hotel stays, and complimentary access to popular attractions, making a winter trip to Xizang more affordable and enticing than ever before.
A German activist working on Tibet rights issues was denied entry into Hong Kong, marking the second such incident this year. The activist, David Missal, was questioned for hours before being deported, highlighting growing concerns about freedom of movement and expression in the city.
President Joe Biden has signed the Resolve Tibet Act, bolstering US support for Tibet and encouraging dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama. This move aims for a peaceful resolution of the Tibet-China dispute, despite China’s opposition and strong criticism of the Act. The legislation emphasizes the importance of preserving Tibetan culture and human rights, while reaffirming the US recognition of Tibet as part of China.
The Dalai Lama reassured his followers that he is recovering well from knee surgery and dismissed rumors about his health on his 89th birthday. He addressed concerns about his succession, stating he will clarify the process around his 90th birthday. The Dalai Lama continues to advocate for Tibetan autonomy, even as his health becomes a factor in the future leadership of Tibetan Buddhism.
Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, during her visit to India, met with the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh. She expressed her concerns over China’s efforts to erase Tibetan culture and stated that the US will soon pass a bill pressuring China to resolve the Tibet issue through talks with Tibetan leaders.
China has issued a stern warning to a US congressional delegation visiting India, urging them to refrain from meeting the Dalai Lama. The delegation, led by Michael McCaul, Chairman of the US House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee, has arrived in Dharamshala, India, where the Dalai Lama resides. China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and has repeatedly condemned any engagement with him.
May 23rd holds significance in Indian history. In 1984, Bachendri Pal became the first Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest. On the same day in 1951, Tibet was annexed by China under the ‘Seventeen Point Agreement for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet.’ These events have left lasting impacts on the respective nations’ trajectories.
The political head of Tibet’s government-in-exile, Penpa Tsering, has revealed that informal discussions are taking place with China. However, he emphasized that there are no immediate prospects of significant progress. Formal talks between representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government have been stalled since 2010 due to anti-China protests in Tibet and Beijing’s hardline approach. Tsering stressed that the current talks are exploratory and have no immediate expectations. Nevertheless, a senior Tibetan leader expressed hope that the informal discussions could lead to a broader dialogue to address the Tibetan situation. Tsering also appealed for increased support from India on the Tibetan issue, highlighting the growing influence of India in world affairs.
