London | 9th January 2025 | GATPM
On 7th January 2025, the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) wrote to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her first official visit to China. In a letter signed by Tsering Passang, Chair of GATPM, the organisation called on the British Chancellor to adopt a principled and firm stance on the People’s Republic of China’s ongoing human rights abuses, religious persecutions, and violations of international law.
Passang emphasised that the UK must prioritise its core values of human dignity, national security, and global responsibility in its dealings with Beijing, avoiding compromises for short-term trade or investment incentives.
The Call for Accountability
The Chancellor’s visit, primarily focused on trade, investment, and global challenges like climate change, offers a critical opportunity to address China’s egregious human rights record and its systemic use of forced labour. Passang urged Reeves to centre these issues in her discussions, reflecting the UK’s commitment to ethical governance and human rights.
This letter follows the most recent parliamentary debate, the 19th December 2024 China Debate in the House of Lords, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Sino-British Joint Declaration on Hong Kong. Led by Lord Alton, the lawmakers argued that the UK must not trade its principles for economic gain, a sentiment echoed by GATPM in its demands for action.
GATPM’s Recommendations
The letter outlined specific requests to the Chancellor:
- Targeted Sanctions
GATPM called for Magnitsky-style sanctions against Chinese officials and entities responsible for human rights abuses, including those targeting Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, and pro-democracy activists.
- Release of Political Prisoners
The organisation urged Reeves to advocate for the release of high-profile political prisoners such as:
- Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the 11th Panchen Lama, missing since 1995.
- Ilham Tohti, a Uyghur scholar and human rights advocate.
- Joshua Wong, a prominent Hong Kong democracy leader.
- Ethical Trade and Security Policies
GATPM stressed the importance of aligning trade policies with ethical principles, incorporating robust human rights conditions, and reducing dependence on Beijing by strengthening partnerships with democracies.
- Rejection of China’s “Super-Embassy” Proposal
The letter highlighted the democratic decision of Tower Hamlets Council to reject China’s proposed “super-embassy” at Royal Mint Court and urged the Labour Government to respect this decision as a stand against authoritarianism.
In closing, GATPM included its policy proposal, Strategic and Security Implications for the UK in the Indo-Pacific Region – A Policy Proposal on Tibet, previously submitted to Foreign Secretary Rt Hon David Lammy MP in December 2024. This document provides a roadmap for addressing China’s growing influence while safeguarding human rights and international law.
Upholding Values Amidst Challenges
The letter underscores GATPM’s belief that prioritising human rights and ethical governance is essential not only for moral reasons but also for ensuring long-term global stability.
As Chancellor Reeves prepares for her maiden visit to China, GATPM’s plea serves as a poignant reminder of the UK’s responsibility to lead by example, championing justice and the protection of persecuted communities in the face of China’s authoritarian regime.
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 