Dharamshala, India — Dharamshala, India (AP) – Penpa Tsering On Wednesday he was sworn in for a second consecutive term as president of Tibet’s government-in-exile after being re-elected earlier this year.
Tsering, 58, has led the government-in-exile based in Dharamsala, India, since 2021. He won another five-year term in elections held in February among Tibetans living in India and abroad. Tsering was first elected to the Tibetan Parliament in exile in 1996 and served as speaker from 2008 until rising to the top executive post.
Formed in 1959, the government-in-exile of Tibet, now called the Central Tibetan Administration, has executive, judicial, and legislative branches.
Tsering said on Wednesday that the Central Tibetan Administration is “firmly committed to the ‘Middle Way Policy’ envisioned by His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” adding that the policy seeks solutions through non-violence, dialogue and lasting mutual benefit.
“Until a solution is achieved, we will continue back-channel communication with the Chinese government with caution and stability,” he said.
Tsering’s swearing-in ceremony took place in the presence of the Dalai Lama, who was escorted to the venue by red-robed monks amid drum beats and prayers. The audience included hundreds of monks and Tibetans watching Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, chief justice of the Tibetan Supreme Justice Commission, administer the oath of office.
Fourth direct election of Tibetan exile leadership since February vote Dalai LamaTibetan spiritual leader, formally ended his role in governing the administration in 2011.
China says Tibet has been part of its territory since the mid-13th century and its Communist Party has ruled the Himalayan region since 1951. But many Tibetans say they were effectively independent for most of their history and that the Chinese government wants to exploit the resource-rich region while suppressing its cultural identity.
China does not recognize the Central Tibetan Administration and has not held talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama since 2010. India considers Tibet part of China, but hosts the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama of trying to separate Tibet from China, which he denies. Some Tibetan groups advocate independence for Tibet, as negotiations with China have made little progress.
Chinese Embassy in India spokesperson Yu Jing on Sunday rejected the legitimacy of the exile administration, saying it is “not recognized by any sovereign country” and has no authority to represent Tibetans or oversee the reincarnation process of the Dalai Lama.
on him 90th birthday Last year, the Dalai Lama insisted that Chinese authorities would have no role in identifying his successor and that the institution of the Dalai Lama would continue after his death.
