- As you are aware, the constant churning witnessed in the geostrategic and geopolitical situation across the universe is always going to throw up challenges. Some can be manageable, some can be tackled, and many will remain challenging. One of the long-standing international challenges is the Tibetan cause even as the exiled Dalai Lama nurtures hopes of finding a solution within his lifetime. The Chinese aggression against the Tibetans is not only well-known across the world but has received widespread condemnation leading to uncomfortable questions raised against Beijing. But true to its intransigence behavior, the Chinese leadership refuses to heed global concerns. The South China Sea is one of the many ill-advised adventures riling the global community.
PC: Deepstrat
- Not only that, but we also know how Beijing’s aggressive, ambitious, and expansionist moves in the eastern borders have raised Indian concerns as well. Despite several rounds of diplomatic and military level confabulations, the Chinese stubbornness to address India’s concerns is met with steely resolve. As reported, the recent visit of a bipartisan US delegation meeting the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala has brought back the Tibet issue to the front burner. As is its wont, China has objected to the visit. The delegation included former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had visited Taiwan in 2022 despite Beijing’s protests, Biden is going to soon sign the Resolve Tibet Act, which calls on Beijing to negotiate with the Dalai Lama or his reps.
- This move places India, the host country of the Tibetan govt-in-exile, in a decision spot. Given the Dalai Lama’s advanced age, the matter of his inevitable succession assumes salience. The US delegation affirmed that Washington would not allow Beijing to interfere with Dalai Lama’s succession. Meaning, it will not accept a Beijing-appointed Dalai Lama. India, however, has remained relatively quiet on the matter. But its opinion will matter for the future of the Tibetan movement. It must start thinking now. India is expected to continue its support to the Tibetan government-in-exile and the more than 70,000 Tibetan refugees in the country even after this Dalai Lama. Indian leadership should shed its inhibitions vis-à-vis China now. The time is ripe indeed.
PC: News18
- Mind you, Tibetan refugees also constitute one of the most successful examples of rehabilitation in modern history. At a time when China has even stopped referring to Tibet by name – using the Chinese term Xizang instead – it’s India that has emerged as the cultural home of Tibetans. On its part, India has stopped referring to the One China policy for years now. And since China doesn’t see India as an equal and treats the border dispute as a convenient political tool, New Delhi should have no hesitation in backing the Tibetan cause. India needs leverage. And the Tibet issue is a big one. Getting rid of the kid gloves treatment extended to China should be one of the first Indian moves on this vexed issue. China needs to be shown we cannot be brushed aside just like that.
