Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma, from the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) at the Central Tibetan Administration, is visiting Australia from 14 to 18 November 2023. This marks her first trip to Australia since assuming the role of Minister in 2021.
She will draw attention to the alarming situation where up to one million Tibetan children have been forcibly separated from their families and enrolled in a widespread network of Chinese colonial boarding schools.
UN rights experts caution that this move is an attempt to assimilate Tibetans into the majority Han Chinese culture.
Tibetan advocacy
On 16 November, Minister Norzin Dolma is scheduled to address key issues during a ‘Tibet Briefing’ hosted by the Australian All Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet at Parliament House in Canberra.
As the chief guest at the Tibet Advocacy Strategy Meeting organized by the Voluntary Tibet Advocacy Group (V-TAG) on 17 November, she will deliver a keynote address at the National Press Club.
Karma Singey, Representative of Tibet Information Office based in Canberra, said:
“This is an important opportunity to hear first-hand what is happening in Tibet”
“Tibet’s national identity is facing an existential threat under China’s repressive policies and security apparatus.”
“The Tibetan people are being systematically subjected to cultural assimilation, political repression, economic marginalisation and ecological destruction”
said Karma Singey, Representative of Tibet Information Office based in Canberra.
Minister Norzin Dolma will advocate for the Middle Way Approach, the exile Tibetan administration’s policy to address the longstanding Sino-Tibet conflict.
This approach, initiated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and adopted by the Central Tibetan Administration, aims to secure genuine and meaningful autonomy for the Tibetan people within the framework of the People’s Republic of China. See more below.
In 1991, the 14th Dalai Lama, now 88 years young, assumed the permanent leadership of the Tibetan Administration, overseeing the executive functions for Tibetans in exile. However, in March 2011, at the age of 71, the 14th Dalai Lama made the decision to relinquish all political and administrative authority.
In response to this historic decision, the Charter of Tibetans in Exile underwent immediate updates in May 2011, leading to the repeal of all articles related to the political responsibilities and regents of the 14th Dalai Lama.
The visit is a collaborative effort between the Tibet Information Office in Canberra (also known as the Office of Tibet) and the Australia Tibet Council.
The Tibet Information Office, an official agency of the Central Tibetan Administration, serves as the representative body for Tibetan Affairs in Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
In the inaugural session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, Norzin Dolma emerged as one of the three women chosen as Kalons (Ministers) of the 16th Kashag (Cabinet).
She officially assumed the role of Kalon (Minister) for the Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) within Tibet’s Government-in-exile on November 10, 2021.
China’s takeover of Tibet
China’s takeover of Tibet is a multifaceted issue with deep-rooted historical, cultural, and political dimensions. The impact on Tibetan culture, religion, autonomy, and the international response highlights the complexity of the situation.
As the global community grapples with balancing economic interests and human rights concerns, finding a resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of the Tibetan people remains a formidable challenge.
The dialogue and engagement between China and the international community will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Tibet and its people.
The international community’s response to China’s influence on Tibet has been varied. Some countries and organizations have expressed concerns about human rights violations and the suppression of cultural identity, urging China to respect Tibetan autonomy.
However, geopolitical considerations often complicate a unified stance, with some nations maintaining a cautious approach to avoid straining diplomatic relations with China.
China’s involvement with Tibet traces back to the 13th century when Mongol forces established a connection. However, it was in the early 1950s that the People’s Republic of China formally asserted control over Tibet, leading to the signing of the Seventeen Point Agreement in 1951, which integrated Tibet into the Chinese political framework.
Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule.
One of the most significant aspects of China’s influence on Tibet is its impact on Tibetan culture and religion. The Chinese government’s policies, such as the Cultural Revolution, have had a profound effect on Tibetan Buddhism and traditional practices.
The destruction of monasteries, suppression of religious freedoms, and efforts to dilute Tibetan cultural identity have sparked widespread concerns both within Tibet and globally.
China’s assertion of authority in Tibet has raised questions about the region’s political autonomy. While the Seventeen Point Agreement initially promised a high degree of autonomy, the ground reality has been different.
The establishment of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) has not translated into genuine self-governance, and political power remains largely centralized in Beijing. The international community, including the Tibetan government-in-exile, continues to advocate for a more meaningful autonomy for Tibet.
China’s interest in Tibet also extends to its economic significance. The region is rich in natural resources, and China’s economic policies in Tibet often align with broader development goals.
However, concerns have been raised about the exploitation of these resources and the impact on the environment and traditional Tibetan livelihoods. Critics argue that economic development is often pursued at the expense of local communities and their cultural heritage.
Middle Way Approach
The Middle Way Approach is a political strategy advocated by the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) and the 14th Dalai Lama as a means to address the longstanding issue of Tibet’s status within the People’s Republic of China.
The approach seeks to find a peaceful and mutually acceptable solution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict. Key points of the Middle Way Approach include:
Autonomy, not Independence: The Middle Way Approach explicitly abandons the pursuit of Tibetan independence. Instead, it seeks genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the framework of the Chinese constitution. The goal is to secure meaningful self-governance and cultural preservation for the Tibetan people while remaining part of the People’s Republic of China.
Dialogue with China: The approach emphasizes the importance of dialogue and negotiation between representatives of the Tibetan people and the Chinese government. The goal is to find a middle ground that respects Tibetan cultural and religious identity while addressing China’s concerns about territorial integrity.
Non-violence: In line with the broader philosophy of non-violence embraced by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, the Middle Way Approach rejects the use of force or armed struggle. The emphasis is on achieving goals through peaceful means, promoting understanding, and fostering goodwill.
International Support: The Middle Way Approach seeks international support for its goals. The Tibetan leadership actively engages with the international community to raise awareness about the situation in Tibet and garner diplomatic support for their cause.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Leadership: The Middle Way Approach has been a central tenet of the Dalai Lama’s leadership and vision for the Tibetan people. His Holiness has consistently advocated for a non-confrontational approach that seeks to address the concerns of both Tibetans and the Chinese government.
While the Middle Way Approach has been the official policy of the Central Tibetan Administration since the early 1980s, progress in negotiations with the Chinese government has been limited.
The Chinese authorities have been reluctant to grant the level of autonomy sought by the Tibetan leadership, leading to ongoing challenges in finding a resolution to the complex Sino-Tibetan issue.
Following her address at the National Press Club, Kalon (Minister) Norzin Dolma will then travel to Wellington to speak at the Asia Pacific Security Innovation Forum Annual Summit.
Related stories
Tibet’s President in Exile National Press Club address
