Sikyong Penpa Tsering and other key Tibetan leaders, currently in Japan for the World Parliamentary Convention on Tibet, addressed the Tibetan community in Tokyo on Sunday. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported that Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, and Parliamentarian Tenzin Phuntsok Doring joined the Sikyong during this meeting.
Sikyong Emphasises Political Efforts and History
Penpa Tsering spoke about the 16th Kashag’s major achievements, especially its political efforts to resolve the long-standing Tibet-China conflict. He emphasised the importance of proving to the world that Tibet was once an independent nation. According to him, this would help validate the Tibetan cause and reinforce the CTA’s Middle Way Approach.
He added, “All Tibetans should study and understand Tibet’s historical background.” Furthermore, he stated that regardless of whether someone supports the Middle Way or full independence, “a resolution cannot be achieved without direct engagement with the Chinese government.”
Speaker Highlights Global Legislative Support
Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel thanked Japanese lawmakers, especially the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, for their consistent backing. He explained that the concept of an International Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet originated with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. That vision became reality through the joint efforts of the Kashag and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile (TPiE).
Tenphel also stressed the importance of global parliamentary support. He pointed to pro-Tibet resolutions passed by different national parliaments as clear signs of growing international solidarity.
Deputy Speaker Urges Cultural Preservation
Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang encouraged Tibetan families abroad, including those in Japan, to teach their children the Tibetan language and culture. She underlined the need to support the Office of Tibet to sustain their collective efforts.
Parliamentarian Calls for Unity and Wider Advocacy
Tenzin Phuntsok Doring, who represents the 17th TPiE from Australasia and parts of Asia, appealed to Tibetans in Japan to stay united. He also highlighted the need to expand the network of local allies who support the Tibetan movement.
Event Attendees and Final Notes
Several distinguished guests attended the event. These included Representative Tsewang Gyalpo Arya from the Liaison Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, former Representative Pema Gyalpo, and Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet, as noted by the CTA.
