Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 10: A two-day conference brought together Chinese dissidents, Tibetan representatives, and human rights advocates at the Ann Harding Conference Centre in Canberra, Australia. Titled “The Tibetan-Chinese Alliance Conference,” the event, held on February 8-9, focused on promoting dialogue, human rights, and democratic reform within China and Tibet.
Organised by the Tibet Information Office, Canberra, in collaboration with multiple advocacy groups, including the Australia and New Zealand Alliance of Victims of the CCP, the Chinese Alliance for Democracy, the Federation for a Democratic China, and the Chinese-Tibetan Civil Exchange Promotion Association. The conference sought to foster mutual understanding and discuss shared strategies for advocacy and reform.
Participants included a diverse group of Chinese dissidents, victims of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) government, Tibetans, Uyghurs, Falun Gong practitioners, Chinese pro-democracy activists, scholars, and representatives from Hong Kong. The discussions centred on pressing human rights violations, religious freedom, and political reform within the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
In his keynote address, CTA Spokesperson Tenzin Lekshay highlighted the importance of the Middle Way Approach as a practical solution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict. He underscored the need for dialogue and mutual understanding over coercion and propaganda, drawing parallels with global conflicts. “By fostering trust and mutual interests,” he stated, “Tibetans can work toward a just and sustainable future for both Tibet and China.” He described the Middle Way Approach as a universal ‘win-win’ solution, benefiting not only Tibetans but also China and the world.
Following the conference, participants issued a joint statement making several key appeals. They strongly condemned the ongoing systematic human rights violations by the CCP and PRC in Tibet, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, and Hong Kong. They also extended full support to the Middle Way Approach and called on the PRC to initiate meaningful negotiations without preconditions to resolve the longstanding Sino-Tibetan issue.
Additionally, the statement reaffirmed the Tibetan people’s exclusive right to manage their religious affairs, emphasising that only His Holiness the Dalai Lama has the authority to determine the process of recognising his reincarnation. Participants rejected any interference by the PRC government or CCP officials in Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
The conference also served as a platform to express gratitude to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his lifelong contributions to non-violence, compassion, religious harmony, human values, environmental preservation, and conflict resolution through dialogue. In recognition of his legacy, the participants committed to hosting a larger conference later this year in celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday.
