SOURCE: AFI
The Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, has accused China of displaying hegemonic ambitions through its actions in Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh. He pointed to the recent renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh by China and the ongoing tensions in Ladakh as clear indicators of Beijing’s aggressive posture.
Tsering’s comments came in the wake of the US passing the Resolve Tibet Act, which challenges China’s long-held claim that no nation recognizes Tibetan independence. The Tibetan leader believes this act significantly undermines China’s narrative on Tibet.
China’s assertive behavior has also drawn criticism from the US. A recent visit by a bipartisan delegation led by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to India, where they met with the Dalai Lama, underscored the growing international concern over the situation in Tibet. The US has urged China to respect Tibetan culture and religion, and has called for the right to self-determination for all peoples.
Tsering further highlighted the broader implications of China’s actions, suggesting that its aggressive behavior is impacting countries across Asia. He pointed to increased defense spending in nations like Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand as a direct response to China’s growing assertiveness.
The Tibetan leader’s comments underscore the growing international unease over China’s foreign policy and its potential to destabilize the region.