Dr. Lobsang Sangay, The President of the Tibetan government-in-exile, applauds the Australian government for making changes to its foreign interference laws to safeguard Australia’s sovereignty and democracy.
He tells SBS Tibetan that he has been warning world leaders to be wary of their dealings with China and firmly believes that they will eventually recognise what he describes as urgent national security threats posed by China.
“What happened to Tibet 60 years ago could happen to you,” says the President-in-exile.
When asked about the current state of international support for Tibetan autonomy within China, Sangay says that despite China’s economic rise, the Tibet issue remains relevant in the international community.
“The dominant narrative is that China is becoming more and more powerful, and hence support for Tibet and human rights, in general, is decreasing,” he says. “But it depends, country-to-country.
“The smaller countries are under tremendous pressure so they shy away from meeting me and supporting the Tibetan cause but other countries are reacting because [the] Chinese government is too aggressive and disrespectful of human rights, democracy, and environmental issues. Hence, there is an assertion on the part of the people to stand on their principles.”
The global trend of relations with China has shifted over the past four or so years, Sangay believes, from a state of naivety to one of wariness. This is due to a more visible spread of Chinese influence, increasingly found in educational institutions, financial sectors, political institutions, and national governments.
Tibetan president presents thank you souvenir to the honorable Ken Wyatt Source: CTA/Namgyal Tsewang
Throughout a wide-ranging world-tour, Sangay says he has met with governments and organisations sympathetic to the Tibetan cause and had significant diplomatic and political successes. The establishment of the largest European Parliamentary Friends of Tibet group in Prague comprising of 51 politicians, and Washington’s decision to publicly release photographs of Sangay’s meetings with American politicians serve as examples.
After 60 years, we’re still here because of the support and friendship that was extended to us by the people and government of Australia. -Dr. Lobsang Sangay
The Tibetan political leader’s third visit to Australia was primarily to preside over the ‘Thank You Australia’ event designed to thank the Australian government and its people for their generosity to Tibetan refugees.
The event was held at Parliament House in Canberra last week, with elected representatives from the major parties in attendance, including Ken Wyatt, Richard Di Natale, Kevin Andrews and co-chairs of the Australian Parliamentary Group for Tibet, Michael Danby and Warren Entsch.
Australian politicians pose with the Tibetan president at "Thank you Australia" event Source: CTA/Namgyal Tsewang
“It is very significant that a sitting cabinet minister, the honorable Ken Wyatt came and accepted the thank you souvenir,” says Sangay. “It was very gratifying to see all the political parties represented in that room, expressing their views in support of Tibetan issue.”
Sangay says it sends a strong message to the Tibetans who are suffering in Tibet that their voices and aspirations are heard in Canberra.
“After 60 years, we’re still here because of the support and friendship that was extended to us by the people and government of Australia,” says Sangay. “So, I would like to extend my profound gratitude to the government and people."
