Dharamshala: On 11 March 2026, Cheng Lei, a renowned Australian-Chinese journalist and news presenter, and Badiucao, a prominent Chinese-born Australian political cartoonist, visual artist, and human rights activist, visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. During their visit, they met with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel and Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang.
During the meeting, the Speakers highlighted how His Holiness the Dalai Lama, over the past 67 years in exile, has consistently pursued a policy of dialogue and reconciliation with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). They noted that the Sino-Tibetan dialogue process has remained stalled since the ninth round of talks in 2010, despite sustained international calls for its resumption and the Tibetan side’s continued willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The discussion also touched upon the Central Tibetan Administration’s adoption of the Middle Way Approach (MWA), which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibetans within the framework of the Chinese Constitution rather than full independence. However, the PRC government has labelled Tibetan leaders advocating this approach as “separatists” and regards Tibetan demands for autonomy as a threat to national unity and territorial integrity.
“Our policy is transparent; we do not have any hidden agenda of seeking independence,” the Speaker stated, adding that the PRC’s repressive policies themselves create division and instability.
The Speakers further highlighted the alarming situation inside Tibet, pointing to ongoing restrictions, repression, persecution, and assimilation policies affecting Tibetans. Despite immense hardships including the loss of over a million Tibetan lives and the destruction of more than 6,000 monasteries and cultural artefacts, His Holiness the Dalai Lama has guided Tibetans to pursue coexistence with the PRC. They emphasized that this reflects His Holiness’ compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment to resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict through peaceful means.
Speaking on cultural identity, the Deputy Speaker remarked that taking pride in one’s nationality is natural, particularly for an ancient civilization such as China. “However,” she added, “it is equally important to uphold the moral, cultural, and ethical values that form the true essence of a nation.” She encouraged the visiting delegates to share the message and vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Chinese people around the world.
The two delegates were accompanied by Dawa Sangmo, Chinese Liaison Officer based in Canberra, Australia.
