Tsering Dhundup
The Congressional Executive Commission on China (CECC) has highlighted the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) persistent unwillingness to engage with representatives of the Dalai Lama,
The CECC’s annual report, released on December 20, criticised the PRC’s lack of interest to resume meaningful dialogue. “The Commission did not observe any interest from People’s Republic of China (PRC) officials in resuming formal negotiations with the Dalai Lama’s representatives, the last round of which, the ninth, was held in January 2010,” the report stated.
The CECC’s findings underline a decade-long impasse in Sino-Tibetan relations. Between 1982 and 2010, Tibetan and Chinese representatives engaged in nine rounds of dialogue aimed at resolving the Sino-Tibetan conflict. The final round of official talks took place in January 2010 in China. Although the Chinese officials made baseless allegations against the Dalai Lama, Lodi Gyari, the lead Tibetan negotiator, later said, “We do not see any reason why we cannot find a common ground … if the Chinese leadership has the sincerity and the political will to move forward.”
The Tibetan government-in-exile, officially known as the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), continues to advocate for peaceful dialogue. In a May 5, 2023, interview with BBC Hard Talk, CTA President Penpa Tsering revealed the existence of backchannel communications between Tibetan and Chinese counterparts.
President Tsering emphasised the importance of dialogue, stating, “If the Sino-Tibetan conflict needs to be resolved peacefully, then there is no way other than talking with the Chinese leadership.” However, he clarified that these backchannel discussions have yet to progress to formal negotiations, with current efforts focused on building contact and trust.
Former CTA President Dr. Lobsang Sangay echoed this sentiment in a 2014 interview with Reuters, confirming that informal channels of dialogue remained open despite the lack of formal talks. However, repeated attempts by the Tibetan leadership to resume official negotiations have been rebuffed by the Chinese government.
In November 2021, China indicated it was open to discussions with the Dalai Lama but limited the scope to his “personal future,” explicitly excluding issues related to Tibet.
The Dalai Lama has long championed the Middle Way Approach, a strategy seeking genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the PRC’s constitution. In a 2008 appeal to the Chinese people, His Holiness reiterated his commitment to this approach, referencing assurances from former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in 1979 that “except for the independence of Tibet, all other questions can be negotiated.”
Despite six rounds of renewed dialogue between 2002 and 2008, the Dalai Lama acknowledged the lack of tangible results on fundamental issues. However, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to dialogue, expressing hope for a mutually beneficial resolution that respects Tibet’s unique cultural and regional identity.
