Tibetan leader expresses concern over threat to cultural identity from aggressive Chinese policiesTibetan leader expresses concern over threat to cultural identity from aggressive Chinese policies

According to a press release from the Central Tibetan Administration, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the political leader of the Kashag (the executive branch of the Central Tibetan Administration), explained that these actions are part of a larger strategy to further Sinicize Tibetan culture and erase its unique heritage.

They also expressed concern over the government's recent change in terminology to replace “Tibet” with “Xizang”, which they believe is an attempt to distort Tibet's historical and cultural identity.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering made these remarks during his visit to the Sakya Tibetan Society settlement in Puruwala as part of his tour of Tibetan communities in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

During his visit, Sikyong shared updates on the political and administrative work of the 16th Kashag, focusing on the dire situation of Tibet under the CCP. He also spoke about the importance of the Tibetan Plateau in global politics and reaffirmed the Kashag's commitment to the Middle Way Approach.

This vision aims to achieve genuine autonomy for Tibet within China. They shared the Vision Paper, which outlines the long-term goals of the Kashag and emphasizes the need for continued international support for Tibetan rights.

After interacting with the community, Sikyong visited a number of local institutions, including the Sakya Magan Shedra and the Sambhota Tibetan School. He then headed to Ponta Cholsum Tibetan Settlement, where he visited Shalu Monastery and continued to raise awareness about the challenging situation of Tibetan culture and religion under Chinese rule.

He also informed the attendees about current projects, such as the digitization of important documents and the creation of the Tibetan Digital Library, which are designed to strengthen the administration of the Tibetan community in exile.

Sikyong was accompanied during his visit by senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration, who highlighted their commitment to support Tibetans living outside Tibet.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), often referred to as the Tibetan Government in Exile, is the political and administrative body representing the Tibetan community living outside Tibet, primarily in India.

Founded in 1959 after the Dalai Lama fled to India following the Chinese invasion of Tibet, the CTA aims to preserve Tibetan culture, promote the welfare of Tibetans in exile, and advocate for the rights and autonomy of the Tibetan people.