By Tsering Passang
The growing influence of China on Western cultural institutions is a matter of profound concern, especially for those who cherish historical integrity and the preservation of cultural identities. In 2024, several prominent European museums, such as the Musée du quai Branly and Musée Guimet in Paris, adopted terms like “Xizang” or “Himalayan World” in place of Tibet, aligning their language with Beijing’s political agenda. This capitulation undermines Tibet’s rightful identity and sets a dangerous precedent for cultural institutions worldwide.
Recognising this troubling trend, I sought to raise awareness among a British audience, cautioning that it is only a matter of time before similar pressures extend to the UK. On 23rd September 2024, I submitted the letter below to the editor of a British newspaper. It followed my earlier article, The Influence of Beijing on Western Cultural Institutions: The Case of Tibet’s Renaming and Communist China’s Global Narrative Push, which the same publication had declined to print. My aim was to alert readers in the UK to the imminent threat of China’s narrative manipulation infiltrating the country’s cultural spaces. Unfortunately, the letter was not published either, leading me to share my concerns directly on my blog.
Coincidentally, just two days later, on 25th September, the British Museum opened its Silk Roads Exhibition, a showcase running until 23rd February 2025. Although I had no prior knowledge of this exhibition, its timing underscored the urgency of my warnings. When I visited the exhibition in November, I observed the usage of terms like “Tibet” alongside “Xizang Autonomous Region,” reflecting Beijing’s narratives. Such language choices have far-reaching geopolitical implications and misrepresent the region’s historical and cultural context.
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, along with the Tibetan Community in Britain, has since made formal representations to the British Museum authorities. We hope that the UK’s premier cultural institutions will recognise the seriousness of this issue and respond to the concerns raised by Tibetan groups.
Below is the letter I submitted, encapsulating the urgency of protecting historical truth and resisting political coercion in our cultural institutions.
Letter to The Editor: Condemning China’s Influence on Cultural Institutions
(Submitted by Tsering Passang to a British paper on 23rd September 2024)
Recent actions by European museums, such as the Musée du quai Branly and Musée Guimet in Paris, are deeply concerning. Their decision to use “Xizang” instead of Tibet aligns with Beijing’s political agenda and signals China’s growing influence over Western cultural institutions. This capitulation to Chinese pressure undermines Tibet’s rightful identity and poses a serious threat to global historical integrity.
The term “Xizang,” aggressively promoted by China, reinforces Beijing’s false sovereignty claims over Tibet. Its adoption by respected museums is part of China’s broader campaign to control the narrative surrounding Tibet’s history, culture, and political status. Recently launched Xizang International Communication Centre further amplifies China’s propaganda efforts, aimed at reshaping global perceptions to suit its agenda.
By using “Xizang,” these institutions are complicit in erasing Tibet’s unique cultural and historical legacy, effectively endorsing China’s occupation. This raises urgent questions about how far Europe’s cultural institutions are willing to bend to political pressure. Such a dangerous precedent could easily spread to UK museums, further distorting historical truth. Notably, Great Britain and Tibet shared diplomatic ties long before the rise of Communist China, with London establishing trade missions in Tibet in 1904 and welcoming Tibetan students for education in the UK in 1913.
I strongly urge UK cultural institutions and stakeholders to resist China’s influence, protect historical accuracy, and uphold the values of independence and integrity. Allowing Beijing’s narrative to dominate would betray the cultural and historical truths these institutions are entrusted to preserve. Meanwhile, Tibetans in occupied Tibet continue to face repression, including denial of basic human rights such as freedom of religion and speech.
Tsering Passang
Founder and Chair, Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 