The UK government is preparing to make its final decision this September: Will the Royal Mint Court become the site of a Mega-Embassy for the People’s Republic of China?
Date: Saturday, 23rd August 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Meeting Point: Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), 18 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3JA Marching to: Trafalgar Square / Whitehall
The UK government is preparing to make its final decision this September: Will the Royal Mint Court become the site of a Mega-Embassy for the People’s Republic of China?
We say NO.
Join us on Saturday, 23rd August, for a mass protest led by the Hong Kong diaspora, supported by human rights groups and China’s persecuted communities, to send a loud, united message: The PRC’s Mega-Embassy has no place on British soil.
This is not just another building. This is about:
Opposing transnational repression: The CCP’s long arm has no right to surveil or intimidate dissenters in the UK.
Protecting our freedoms: Free speech, protest, and political expression must remain safe and sacred in Britain.
Standing with victims of the CCP’s authoritarianism: From Hongkongers to Uyghurs, Tibetans, and mainland Chinese dissidents, we stand together against persecution.
The Mega-Embassy would enable greater surveillance, intimidation, and suppression of those who dare speak out – even on British soil.
The world is watching. The PRC is watching. Most importantly, our government is watching.
We will gather at HKETO at 2pm, where we will rally with speeches and protest action.
At 3pm, we will march to Trafalgar Square / Whitehall, the symbolic heart of British democracy, where we will continue to speak out until 4pm.
This is our moment to be heard — before the final decision is made.
We need numbers. We need voices. We need you.
Bring your banners. Bring your energy. Bring your friends.
Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade (left); Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Prime Minister Keir Starmer; Piyush Goyal MP, Minister of Commerce and Industry | Photo: Narendra Modi
India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
The India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK on 23–24 July 2025, is a landmark achievement. It secures thousands of British jobs, boosts exports by £6 billion, and fosters economic growth for both nations. It is the biggest trade deals the UK has made since leaving the European Union in 2016. This free trade deal strengthens a vital partnership and should be celebrated for its economic promise. However, as nations with deep historical ties to Tibet, have Britain and India missed a critical opportunity to address Tibet’s future – a matter of shared strategic, security, and moral responsibility? Far from being a burden, Tibet is a meaningful cause that could enable all stakeholders, including China, to deliver justice and dignity to the Tibetan people, who have long endured Beijing’s oppression.
Economic Gains and Strategic Opportunities
The trade deal enhances UK access to India’s dynamic market, supporting industries like automotive and whisky while promoting collaboration in clean energy. Aligned with the UK’s “Indo-Pacific tilt” and India’s rising global influence, it creates a robust platform for economic and strategic cooperation. Yet, as an advocate for Tibet, I question whether the agreement overlooks Tibet’s critical role in regional security and the preservation of its cultural and spiritual autonomy, particularly in light of China’s growing aggression.
The UK–India–Tibet Historical Nexus
Britain and India share a profound historical connection with Tibet, rooted in diplomacy and shared values. In 1948, a Tibetan delegation led by Finance Minister Tsepon W.D. Shakabpa was received by Prime Minister Clement Attlee at 10 Downing Street. This followed 1947 letters from the young 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Regent to Sir Basil Gould, Britain’s Political Officer in Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet. These letters, part of the Sir Basil Gould Collection, were withdrawn from a Bonhams auction in June 2025 after advocacy by the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) with the auction house and the Gould family. They were returned to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, received by Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and will be displayed at the Tibet Museum in Dharamsala, affirming Tibet’s pre-1949 sovereignty and independent diplomacy before the People’s Republic of China was established.
Britain’s engagement with Tibet, from the 1904 Younghusband Expedition to the 1914 Simla Convention, which established the McMahon Line, recognised Tibet as an independent political entity. Similarly, British India’s 1941 “Report on the Discovery, Recognition and Installation of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama,” authored by Sir Basil Gould, who witnessed the 1940 enthronement ceremony as Britain’s representative, underscores both nations’ respect for Tibet’s spiritual traditions. Today, these centuries-old traditions face existential threats from China’s efforts to control the Dalai Lama’s succession, a process central to Tibetan Buddhist identity.
Tibet: A Strategic Buffer and Security Imperative
China’s occupation of Tibet eliminated a historic buffer between India and mainland China, replacing it with a militarised frontier that fuels conflicts, from the 1962 Sino-Indian War to recent clashes in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. Restoring Tibet’s role as a neutral buffer state is not only a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for long-term Indo-Pacific stability. The CTA in Dharamsala, a democratic and legitimate continuation of Tibet’s governance, deserves recognition as a key stakeholder in resolving the Tibet–China conflict.
Have Britain and India, the nations most familiar with Tibet’s history, missed an opportunity to integrate this strategic priority into their trade partnership? By prioritising Tibet’s role, they could counter China’s territorial ambitions and promote a stable Himalayan frontier, benefiting all stakeholders, including China, by fostering peaceful coexistence.
Moral Responsibility and the International Rules-Based Order
As a permanent UN Security Council member, the UK, and as host to the Dalai Lama and the CTA, India, bear a unique moral responsibility to uphold the international rules-based order. China’s repression in Tibet – forcing children into colonial boarding schools, suppressing the Tibetan language and Buddhist practices, and the ongoing disappearance of figures like the 11th Panchen Lama since 1995 – demands a robust response. Similar atrocities against Uyghurs in East Turkestan (Ch: Xinjiang) highlight China’s broader assault on cultural identities.
Tibet is not a liability but a unifying cause that aligns Britain, India, and the global community in pursuit of justice and dignity for the Tibetan people, who have endured decades of oppression. Economic prosperity and human rights are interconnected. By embedding support for Tibet’s self-determination and spiritual autonomy within their partnership, Britain and India can lead by example, showing that addressing Tibet’s plight strengthens their bilateral relations.
A Call for Pragmatic Support and Proactive Leadership
While celebrating the economic achievements of the UK–India trade deal, I urge both nations to reflect: Have they done enough to address Tibet’s strategic and moral significance? Tibet is not a peripheral issue but a litmus test for democracies confronting authoritarianism. By supporting the CTA and championing Tibetan self-determination, Britain and India can strengthen the rules-based international order and secure long-term regional stability.
The UK must leverage its global influence, particularly through its UN Security Council platform, to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Tibet–China conflict. India, as Tibet’s neighbour and host to its exiled leadership, should align its strategic interests with its moral obligations. Together, they can ensure Tibet’s future remains in the hands of its people, delivering justice and dignity to a resilient nation while fostering a stable and principled Indo-Pacific order.
Tsering Passangis the Founder and Chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM).
Themed “Mass Atrocities, Environmental Degradation, and Communities’ Rights: Lived Experiences from the Peripheries,” this landmark gathering in Dundee (18–21 May 2026) will convene voices from indigenous and marginalised communities worldwide. It provides an essential platform to examine the intersections of systemic violence, environmental harm, and community rights – issues deeply felt by the communities GATPM represents.
As an alliance representing communities long subjected to mass atrocities, cultural erasure, and environmental injustices, GATPM recognises the urgent need for academic and policy-driven dialogue to foster meaningful change. We firmly believe that inclusive forums such as this conference are vital in amplifying affected voices, promoting justice, and developing sustainable, community-led solutions.
We commend the organisers for their commitment to centring lived experiences and traditional knowledge in addressing global challenges. GATPM encourages all interested individuals and institutions to engage with this initiative, submit proposals, and contribute to this critical international dialogue.
Call for Submissions (Deadline: 15 October 2025):
Explore themes of mass atrocities, indigenous and minority rights, environmental degradation, and just transitions.
Submission formats include academic papers, artistic expressions, performances, and cultural heritage displays.
GATPM proudly stands in solidarity with all affected communities. We welcome this opportunity to strengthen alliances and advance justice through scholarly engagement and global cooperation.
British politician-turned-singer Norman Baker may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of protest songs or live pub gigs — but perhaps it should be.
His track “Give War A Chance” is a sharp, unexpected standout. With the cutting lyric “Envoy of Peace but War in Mind,” Baker skewers the hypocrisy and doublespeak so often embedded in international diplomacy. It’s thoughtful, provocative – and, perhaps most surprisingly, genuinely catchy. There’s real craftsmanship here, both in the songwriting and its delivery.
What makes it all the more compelling is how naturally Baker has transitioned from Westminster politics to the stage. Best known as a former MP and Transport Minister, he’s found in music not just a hobby, but a vital new voice. His songs reflect a seasoned political mind, but they’re never didactic. Instead, they’re human – often biting, sometimes humorous, and always sincere.
Importantly, Baker’s activism has never stopped at party lines. He’s been a consistent and outspoken advocate for Tibet, using his time in Parliament to highlight human rights abuses and call out China’s treatment of the Tibetan people. His long-standing support for the Dalai Lama and Tibet’s struggle has been principled and unwavering – and now, that deep sense of solidarity is beginning to shape his music as well.
I had the chance to catch Baker and his band live a few years ago with a few friends at a cozy pub tucked away in beautiful East Sussex. The setting was intimate and unfiltered – exactly the kind of venue where music speaks loudest. From the first chord, it was clear Baker wasn’t just dabbling. His presence on stage had a quiet authority, but also real warmth and vitality. The performance wasn’t flashy, but it was authentic – driven by purpose rather than polish. The band played with tight chemistry, and the audience – a mix of curious locals and loyal fans – was fully engaged.
Norman Baker and his daughter meeting His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the Tibetan Leader’s residence in Dharamsala, India |Photo: Norman Baker
Baker’s live shows feel less like a performance and more like a conversation. He has something to say, and he’s found a compelling, accessible way to say it. Songs like “Give War A Chance” don’t pull punches – but they also don’t preach. They’re crafted to make you think, and maybe even hum along while you do.
Looking ahead, one can’t help but hope Baker takes the next logical step and considers a follow-up track – “Give Peace a Chance.” Not just as a thematic sequel, but as a musical tribute to a cause he’s championed for decades. With the Dalai Lama turning 90 this year, and Tibet’s Government-in-Exile declaring July 2025 to July 2026 the “Year of Compassion,” the timing couldn’t be more powerful – or more personal.
A song dedicated to Tibet, and to His Holiness’s enduring message of peace, would not only highlight Baker’s continued advocacy but also give voice to a global community that often goes unheard. It would be a meaningful fusion of his political legacy and musical evolution – and a tribute that could resonate far beyond the stage.
In an age of overproduced, algorithm-chasing music, Norman Baker’s work stands apart: honest, relevant, and rooted in lived experience. Whether or not you followed his political career, there’s something here worth listening to – and worth reflecting on.
Highly recommended – especially if you get the chance to see him live. And here’s hoping the next song gives peace its moment.
On Saturday, 5th July 2025, the serene surroundings of the Tibetan Peace Garden in London were transformed into a vibrant hub of spiritual celebration, unity, and cultural pride as nearly 1,000 people gathered to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain and led by the UK Ghoton Subcommittee, the day-long event brought together members of the Tibetan, Bhutanese, Mongolian, and Himalayan communities from across the UK – including delegations from Scotland, Wales, Bristol, Brighton, Weston-Super-Mare, Liverpool, Manchester, and Bournemouth.
The celebration began with Sangsol – a traditional incense offering – and Buddhist prayers led by eminent monks and Sangha at the centre of the Tibetan Peace Garden, a living symbol of His Holiness’s legacy in the United Kingdom.
Distinguished guests included Mrs Tsering Yangkey, UK Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama; Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP; Cllr Linda Bird, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich; and Cllr Sunny Lambe, Mayor of Southwark. Also in attendance were Mr Phuntsog Wangyal, His Holiness’s first Representative to the UK and the visionary behind the creation of the Tibetan Peace Garden, and Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile MP Samten Chodon from India.
The organisers extended their heartfelt thanks to Southwark Council for their cooperation in hosting this major public celebration in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, located in one of London’s most diverse and welcoming boroughs.
A Cultural Experience Beyond Celebration
In addition to the performances and speeches, the event offered an immersive cultural experience. A traditional Tibetan nomadic tent (ba) was erected on site by the artist Uygen Choephell from Bristol, inviting visitors to step inside and learn more about the way of life in the high plateau and the steppes. An exhibition on the Dalai Lama’s four principal commitments – promoting human values, fostering religious harmony, preserving Tibetan culture and environment, and reviving ancient Indian knowledge – allowed attendees to engage deeply with his teachings and legacy.
Visitors also enjoyed a vibrant array of information and merchandise stalls, savoury cuisine from the “Roof of the World,” and cultural displays highlighting traditional crafts and values rooted in compassion and peace. A free bouncy castle added extra joy for children, making the celebration a family-friendly experience for all ages.
A Message from His Holiness the Dalai Lama
An emotional address was delivered by Mrs Tsering Yangkey, UK Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, based at the Office of Tibet. The Tibetan diplomat highlighted the Dalai Lama’s lifetime contributions to the people of Tibet, the Buddhist world, and the global community. On 5th July, the Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama published the Tibetan spiritual leader’s special message for the occasion on its website:
“On the occasion of my 90th birthday, I understand that well-wishers and friends in many places, including Tibetan communities, are gathering for celebrations. I particularly appreciate the fact that many of you are using the occasion to engage in initiatives that highlight the importance of compassion, warm-heartedness, and altruism.
UK Representative Tsering Yangkey addresses The Dalai Lama’s 90th Birthday Celebrations in London
I am just a simple Buddhist monk; I don’t normally engage in birthday celebrations. However, since you are organizing events focused on my birthday I wish to share some thoughts.
While it is important to work for material development, it is vital to focus on achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate, not just toward near and dear ones, but toward everyone. Through this, you will contribute to making the world a better place.
As for myself, I will continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values, religious harmony, drawing attention to the ancient Indian wisdom which explains the workings of mind and emotions, and Tibetan culture and heritage, which has so much potential to contribute to the world through its emphasis on peace of mind and compassion.
I develop determination and courage in my daily life through the teachings of the Buddha and Indian masters such as Shantideva, whose following aspiration I strive to uphold:
As long as space endures, As long as sentient beings remain, Until then, may I too remain To dispel the miseries of the world.
Thank you for using the opportunity of my birthday to cultivate peace of mind and compassion.
Tashi Deleg and with prayers, Dalai Lama”
Voices of Recognition and Tributes
Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, former leader of the Conservative Party and Co-Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), gave one of the most impassioned tributes of the day. While honouring His Holiness, he reflected on the ongoing suffering of the Tibetan people under Chinese rule:
“On this special day, while I bring greetings to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I cannot help but think of those in Tibet who do not have the freedoms that we are celebrating here today.
Over a quarter of a million Tibetan men are now in slave labour – put there by the Chinese government in an attempt to eradicate their traditions, their home life, and their very existence. I think of that brutality, and I pray today that they will one day live to see the freedom that the Tibetans here in the UK enjoy – and are celebrated by us.
Let us pray for that freedom, and for the goodness and the peace that His Holiness preaches every single day.
On this auspicious day, I bring greetings and congratulations to His Holiness – to have reached the age that he has, and looking as young as he has, and looking like he is going to continue for a very long time indeed.
I simply say – Happy Birthday, Your Holiness. On behalf of all my parliamentary colleagues, we offer our greetings, our hope, and our prayers for a free Tibet – and for the freedom of the people of Tibet to worship in peace.
And for the Dalai Lama – many years. When he departs, that tradition and that personage that he is shall carry on indefinitely, and the Tibetan people have the right to be like that forever.”
Earlier today, Sir Iain Duncan Smith tweeted on X account: “I attended the celebrations of the Dalai Lama 90th birthday who has been in exile since the Chinese took over Tibet. 250,000 Tibetan men are in forced, slave labour, China is a brutal occupier of Tibet and Tibetans fear China will eventually name a rival successor to the Dalai Lama, bolstering Beijing’s control over Tibet.”
Cllr Linda Bird, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, spoke of her borough’s enduring support for the Tibetan people:
“It is my honour to represent our Royal Borough as we come together to celebrate the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama… On behalf of the people of the Royal Borough of Greenwich – and the people across the UK, really – may I sincerely offer the warmest wishes and heartfelt congratulations to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on this very special birthday. Tashi Delek. Happy Birthday!”
Cllr. Linda Bird, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, welcomed by Tibetan Community in Britain at the 90th Birthday Celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama | 5th July2025
Mr Phuntsog Wangyal addressed the gathering by recalling his “honour and privilege of being the first Representative of His Holiness” in London from 1981 to 1986. He shared that he had the opportunity to participate in numerous public programmes with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, where he witnessed him “speak tirelessly for world peace, promote harmony among different peoples and religions, and encourage the use of dialogue and non-violence as means to resolve conflicts.” He concluded his remarks with a heartfelt prayer that His Holiness’s aspirations may soon be fulfilled.
Phuntsog Wangyal, Dalai Lama’s First UK Representative at The Office of Tibet-London; and the visionary behind the creation of the Tibetan Peace Garden; also a founding-trustee of Tibet Foundation
Mr Wangyal further reflected on the resilience of the Tibetan people, saying that the Dalai Lama had often spoken about “the courage of the Tibetan people: their courage to resist Chinese aggression, to stand firm against the suppression and oppression of their people, and to protect their culture from destruction.” He added, “Tibetans continue to dream of returning to a free Tibet, to live in peace and freely practise their traditions.”
Cllr. Cllr Sunny Lambe, Mayor of Southwark, welcomed by Tibetan Community in Britain at the 90th Birthday Celebration of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama | 5th July2025
Cllr Sunny Lambe, Mayor of Southwark, welcomed the celebration to his borough with pride: “I am very delighted to join the Tibetan Community and admirers of the Dalai Lama in celebrating the Nobel Peace Laureate’s special anniversary in our wonderfully diverse borough of Southwark.”
A Community’s Deepest Reverence
Mr Phuntsok Norbu, Chair of the Tibetan Community in Britain, delivered a powerful speech reflecting the collective reverence of the British Tibetan community:
“We gather not only to mark a milestone in years, but to honour a lifetime of wisdom, compassion, resilience, and tireless dedication to peace and humanity. At 90, His Holiness remains a global symbol of hope, unity, and interfaith harmony.”
He noted that the Central Tibetan Administration has designated 2025 as the Year of Compassion, urging individuals around the world to embrace the Dalai Lama’s teachings of kindness, altruism, and ethical responsibility.
“This birthday is not just a celebration of the past, but a call to action for the future – to carry forward his message, live by his example, and build a world rooted in kindness and understanding.”
A Parliamentary Recognition
On 25th June, the UK Parliament passed Early Day Motion 1560, tabled by Chris Law MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet. The cross-party motion recognised the Dalai Lama’s enduring spiritual and political leadership, and declared:
“It is for the people of Tibet and for those in the Tibetan diaspora to decide upon the future reincarnation of the Dalai Lama.”
The motion also marked the start of the Year of Compassion, acknowledging the Dalai Lama’s profound global contributions and the joyful celebrations taking place in Tibetan communities worldwide.
As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise community engagement, two dedicated IT specialists, Jamyang Dhondup and Tsering Dorjee, worked tirelessly over recent months to revamp the official website of the Tibetan Community in Britain. Their efforts culminated in the website’s official relaunch during the celebration, offering a fresh, user-friendly digital platform to showcase the community’s activities, heritage, and advocacy work. This milestone reflects the community’s commitment to digital outreach and preserving Tibetan identity in the modern era.
The day’s festivities concluded on a high note with vibrant cultural performances by Tibetan children and adults. The air was filled with the rhythm of traditional songs, music, and joyful dancing, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Guests gathered to share communal meals, further deepening the spirit of togetherness.
Artists and musicians from Mongolian, Himalayan, Uyghur, and Hong Kong communities joined in with moving musical tributes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, transforming the event into a powerful expression of solidarity, cross-cultural friendship, and shared values rooted in peace, freedom, and compassion.
As Mr Phuntsok Norbu poignantly stated:
“May His Holiness’s light continue to shine for generations to come. May peace prevail in the world. Long live His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.”
Chairman Phuntsok Norbu greets Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP | Tibetan Peace Garden | 5 July 2025 | Photo: Tsering Passang
As His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama marks his 90th birthday on 6th July 2025, Tibetans around the world – joined by friends and supporters globally – reflect on the extraordinary moral and spiritual leadership of a man whose lifelong commitment to compassion, nonviolence, humility, interfaith harmony and truth has shaped our collective struggle for justice and dignity.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the BBC – in particular Laura Bicker, the BBC’s China Correspondent, and journalists Geeta Pandey and Samira Hussain – for their timely and thoughtful reporting on this historic milestone, including coverage from Chinese-occupied Tibet and from Dharamsala, home of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.
The Radio 4 ‘Today’ programme, aired on 3rd July (2:44:43–2:50:03), was especially commendable. It captured not only the deep spiritual significance of His Holiness’s life, but also the political importance of his recent reaffirmation that the Dalai Lama institution will continue.
Yet as welcome as this coverage was, there remains more to say – and more for the public to understand.
A Clear Rejection of Beijing’s Interference
“I am affirming that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue… I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognise the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter.”
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
This declaration is far more than theological. It is a direct and resolute rejection of Beijing’s attempts to politicise Tibetan Buddhism and manipulate reincarnation traditions – part of a broader campaign to erase Tibetan identity and undermine Tibet’s spiritual sovereignty.
Let it be absolutely clear: Tibetans worldwide – both under occupation and in exile – overwhelmingly support His Holiness’s vision and authority. We are the rightful custodians of this sacred tradition. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) – an avowedly atheist regime – holds neither moral legitimacy nor spiritual credibility to appoint or recognise any Tibetan spiritual leader.
The CCP’s claim that it will determine the next Dalai Lama is not only profoundly offensive, it is universally rejected by Tibetans. China may manufacture goods that dominate global markets, but it cannot manufacture spiritual legitimacy – nor can it impose a religious leader on a people it continues to suppress.
Britain and Tibet: A Forgotten but Vital History
To understand Tibet’s current plight, we must revisit Britain’s long and often overlooked historical relationship with Tibet – one that predates China’s 1950 invasion by decades.
From the Younghusband Mission in 1904 and the Simla Convention of 1914, to multiple treaties, trade missions and direct diplomatic exchanges, Britain engaged with Tibet as a distinct political entity. This history directly challenges Beijing’s revisionist narrative that Tibet has always been part of China.
This unique relationship was poignantly reaffirmed in June 2025, when two original letters from 1947 – written by the young 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Regent to the British Government – were formally returned to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in Dharamsala. Addressed to Sir Basil Gould, Britain’s Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet, these letters reflect Tibet’s independent diplomatic engagement.
Sir Basil Gould with Tibetan Prime Minister Lonchen Langdun in 1936 Credits
Recovered from auction through advocacy by the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), the letters were donated by Sir Basil Gould’s granddaughters and will now be preserved at the Tibet Museum in Dharamsala. Their symbolic return, just days before His Holiness’s birthday, stands as a deeply meaningful gift of remembrance and truth – and a reaffirmation of Tibet’s rightful place in the world.
Tsering Yangkey, Dalai Lama’s UK Representative, Lorraine Gould, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Frances Gould, Giles Peppiatt of Bonhams, attend a formal handover at The Office of Tibet, London 23 June 2025 / Photo: GATPM
This report remains a key archival record and offers firsthand insight into Tibet’s religious and political freedom before Chinese occupation. As such, the BBC and other media outlets must draw upon such invaluable documents when reporting on the highly sensitive issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession – an issue rooted in centuries of Tibetan religious tradition, not modern statecraft or communist ideology.
Modernisation – Initiated by Tibetans, Not Imported
The Chinese regime in Beijing often claims that it first brought “modernisation” to a “feudal and backward” Tibet after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. History tells a different story.
In the 1920s, Tibetans – with British technical assistance – built the first hydroelectric power station in Lhasa. One of four Tibetan students sent to the UK in 1913 by the previous 13th Dalai Lama studied engineering and later built this pioneering infrastructure development.
Tibet was already embracing reform and progress – on Tibetan terms. These facts directly undermine Beijing’s narrative that Tibet’s advancement began only after Chinese occupation. Tibetan-led modernisation was already underway, long before the People’s Liberation Army crossed our borders.
A Spiritual Leader Embraced by Britain
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has long been respected in the UK not only as a revered spiritual figure, but as a global moral statesman.
From petitions to Sir Winston Churchill in the 1950s, to official meetings with Sir John Major, Gordon Brown, and David Cameron, British leaders have consistently acknowledged His Holiness’s role as a voice of peace, resilience and hope. His Majesty King Charles III, as Prince of Wales, hosted His Holiness at Clarence House and Highgrove, reinforcing this special relationship.
Resistance: Then and Now
Tibetan resistance is not a relic of the past – it remains a living, ongoing struggle, both inside occupied Tibet and across the global exile community.
From the 1959 Lhasa Uprising to the CIA-backed guerrilla resistance in Mustang, near Nepal-Tibet border, Tibetans have long fought for our rights. My own father was part of the Mustang resistance. I was born and raised in Tibetan refugee camps in Nepal. Today, our resistance takes peaceful forms – through education, cultural preservation, environmental advocacy and global solidarity. But our spirit remains unbroken.
Honouring His Holiness the Dalai Lama in London – 5th July 2025
To mark this historic occasion, the Tibetan Community in Britain is hosting a public celebration on Saturday, 5th July, at the Tibetan Peace Garden beside the Imperial War Museum in London. Commissioned by Tibet Foundation and inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1999, the Tibetan Peace Garden remains the UK’s only dedicated Tibetan monument.
Distinguished guests and speakers include:
Cllr. Linda Bird, The Worshipful Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, who recently raised the Tibetan flag at Woolwich Town Hall in a bold show of solidarity
Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, a leading voice on human rights and China accountability
Tsering Yangkey, Dalai Lama’s UK Representative based at The Office of Tibet, London
Phuntsog Wangyal, Dalai Lama’s First UK Representative; Founding-Trustee of Tibet Foundation; and the Core Person behind the Tibetan Peace Garden project
Phuntsok Norbu, Chair of the Tibetan Community in Britain
Woolwich holds a unique connection to Tibet. In 1913, four Tibetan students – sent at the request of the 13th Dalai Lama and supported by the British Government – arrived in Britain. Two of them, Gongkar and Ringang, received military training at the Royal Arsenal and Royal Military Academy Woolwich, with the support of Sir Basil Gould. This historic exchange reflects Tibet’s early openness to reform and international collaboration – long before the Communist China’s occupation.
A Personal Reflection
As someone born stateless in a refugee camp and now a British citizen, I see in His Holiness the Dalai Lama a symbol of wisdom, moral courage and principled leadership. He reminds us that the most powerful leadership comes not from coercion, but from compassion and truth.
I also see in the BBC’s journalism a valuable platform – one that can do more than inform. It can help educate and reconnect the British public with a shared, often-suppressed history.
I thank the BBC once again for its important coverage. And I respectfully urge it – and all British institutions – to go further. The full story of Tibet’s past, present and future deserves to be told.
To learn more about the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday celebration in London, or to support Tibetan advocacy efforts, please visit: www.Tsamtruk.com
Tsering Passang is a Tibetan writer and blogger, and the Founder-Chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities. A long-standing advocate for Tibetan rights and democratic values, he previously served as Director of Tibet Foundation and as Chairman of the Tibetan Community in Britain. He also held roles on the Council of the Tibet Society, including as Special Adviser from 2014 to 2018.
Gould Family Withdraws 1947 Documents from Bonhams Auction and Donates Them to Tibet Museum
Tsering Yangkey, UK Representative of the Office of Tibet, Lorraine Gould, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, Frances Gould, Giles Peppiatt of Bonhams, attend a formal handover at The Office of Tibet, London 23 June 2025 / Photo: GATPM
Two rare and historically significant letters from 1947, bearing the seals of the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Regent, have been formally handed over to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Tibet’s government-in-exile, in a landmark act of goodwill by the family of the late Sir Basil Gould, former British Political Officer to Bhutan, Sikkim and Tibet.
The ceremonial handover took place at the Office of Tibet in London on 23 June 2025. The documents – originally scheduled for auction at Bonhams earlier this month – were instead personally delivered by Sir Basil Gould’s granddaughters, Frances Cutler and Lorraine Bondarenko, to Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of the CTA.
“It is an honour on our part to connect with the Tibet Museum and to be able to donate, on behalf of our family and Sir Basil Gould, these important historic documents to you and the Tibetan people,” said the Gould sisters during the handover.
Historic Letter dated 1947 sent by the young 14th Dalai Lama to Sir Basil Gould, the Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet who was appointed to represent the British government (Credits: The Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould CBE / Bonhams)
The letters, which date back to a crucial period when Tibet was actively asserting its status as an independent nation, had been listed as part of the prestigious “Gould Collection” sale at Bonhams, scheduled for 5 June. Following urgent appeals from Tibetan advocate Tsering Passang, Founder-Chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), the family chose to withdraw the documents from sale and donate them for preservation.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Bonhams and to the entire Gould family for their extraordinary generosity and principled decision,” said Passang. “By withdrawing these historic letters from public sale and donating them to the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, the Gould family has honoured Tibet’s cultural legacy and reaffirmed the deep historical bonds between our two nations.”
The decision has been widely praised by Tibetan leaders and supporters. Tsering Yangkey, the UK Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and head of the Office of Tibet, said the donation symbolises a shared historical understanding and solidarity.
“Their gracious decision is an act of immense goodwill,” said Yangkey. “It is a powerful gesture of solidarity with the Tibetan people and a profound recognition of our shared historical ties.”
Bonhams also welcomed the decision. Giles Peppiatt, Bonhams Group Head of Fine Art (UK), described the Gould Collection as “one of the most extraordinary and profoundly important historical sales” he has handled. “I am delighted the family decided to donate these particularly rare and historically significant documents to Tibet,” Peppiatt said. “They will now be preserved for future generations and displayed at the Tibet Museum.”
Sikyong Penpa Tsering acknowledged the advocacy efforts during a talk with the Tibetan community in Britain held the day before the handover. “When sincere efforts are made, such meaningful results can be achieved,” he remarked, crediting the role of the Tibetan activist Tsering Passang in protecting Tibetan heritage.
Passang was specially invited to attend the handover ceremony by the Office of Tibet, in recognition of GATPM’s campaign to halt the sale. The documents will now be housed in the Tibet Museum in Dharamsala, India, the cultural and political hub of the Tibetan exile community.
GATPM has called on the Gould family to consider adding a personal message to accompany the letters when they go on public display, offering historical context and further deepening public understanding of Britain’s role in Tibetan history.
The handover comes at a time of growing parliamentary interest in the UK’s historical ties with Tibet and renewed scrutiny of China’s human rights record. Tibetan advocates see the donation as a timely moral intervention.
“This is not just a symbolic gesture,” said Passang. “It reopens conversations about Britain’s moral responsibility to acknowledge Tibet’s historic status and to support its legitimate aspirations today.”
GATPM continues to advocate for the UK to re-examine its Tibet policy, particularly supporting the recognition of Tibet as a “buffer state” vital to regional peace and aligned with the UK’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Join the Tibetan Community in UK for a joyful, family-friendly open-air celebration marking the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at the Tibetan Peace Garden in London. This vibrant cultural event will feature live performances, interfaith prayers, exhibitions, Tibetan and Mongolian tents, community picnic, authentic food, and more. Held in the UK’s only open-air Tibetan monument – blessed by the Dalai Lama himself – the celebration invites people of all backgrounds to honour his lifelong message of compassion, peace, and unity. All are welcome! This special event is jointly organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain and the Ghoton Subcommittee.
FILE – In this April 5, 2017, file photo, Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama greets devotees at the Buddha Park in Bomdila, Arunachal Pradesh, India. More than 150 Tibetan religious leaders say their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, should have the sole authority to choose his successor. A resolution adopted by the leaders at a conference on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019, says the Tibetan people will not recognize a candidate chosen by the Chinese government for political ends. ( AP Photo/Tenzin Choejor, File)
Phuntsok Norbu, Chairman of the Tibetan Community in Britain, warmly invites everyone:
“This is a moment to celebrate the long life and teachings of the Dalai Lama but also a time to reflect on his lifelong message of compassion, peace, and interfaith harmony – values that resonate deeply with the spirit and diversity of our world today. We welcome all friends, families, and admirers to join us in this joyful and inspiring occasion.”
Date: Saturday, 5th July 2025 Time: 10:30 AM onwards Venue: Tibetan Peace Garden, Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park (next to the Imperial War Museum, London SE1)
Highlights of the Day:
Live Cultural Performances: Tibetan, Mongolian and Himalayan artists showcasing traditional music and dance amongst others.
Tibetan Nomadic Tent & Mongolian Ger: Step into these unique cultural spaces and experience the pastoral life of the Tibetan plateau and Mongolian steppes.
Interfaith Prayer Gathering: Religious leaders from diverse faiths will join together in a moving prayer for peace and compassion.
Exhibition on the Dalai Lama’s Four Principal Commitments: Learn more about His Holiness’s lifelong dedication to human values, religious harmony, preservation of Tibetan culture, and the revival of ancient Indian wisdom.
Authentic Tibetan Food & Community Picnic: Enjoy home-cooked Tibetan dishes and bring your own if you prefer.
Speeches & Reflections: Hear from community leaders and friends of Tibet as they pay tribute to the Dalai Lama’s enduring legacy.
Art & Culture Stalls: Shop for handmade crafts, books, and traditional goods while supporting Tibetan artisans and causes.
Merchandise and Information Stalls: A fun, relaxed space to browse, connect, and support community initiatives.
This gathering offers a meaningful opportunity not only to celebrate a milestone birthday but also to reflect on His Holiness’s universal message of compassion, peace, interfaith understanding, and environmental responsibility – values that resonate across communities and generations.
About the Tibetan Peace Garden
The Tibetan Peace Garden (Samten Kyil in Tibetan) stands as a serene symbol of peace, compassion, and cross-cultural friendship. It was blessed and inaugurated by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 13 May 1999 during a historic visit to London. A major initiative of the Tibet Foundation, the garden features a beautifully carved circular pillar (kalachakra monument) inscribed with a message from the Dalai Lama in four languages – Tibetan, English, Chinese, and Hindi – conveying universal hopes for peace and understanding.
Situated in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, next to the Imperial War Museum, the Tibetan Peace Garden is the only open-air Tibetan monument in London, offered as a gift from the people of Tibet to the people of Southwark and London. It is a tranquil space for reflection, community gatherings, and cultural exchange – an ideal setting for honouring the Dalai Lama’s enduring global legacy.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter, curious newcomer, or simply seeking a peaceful and uplifting day out – come and be part of this remarkable celebration. Bring your friends, family, and an open heart.
All are welcome. Admission is free.
Let us gather in unity, joy, and gratitude to mark a milestone in the life of one of the world’s most respected spiritual leaders.
Representative Tsering Yangkey (left); Chris Law MP (centre); Sikyong Penpa Tsering (right) The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet Meeting at Portcullis House, Westminster | 23 June 2025
The President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Sikyong Penpa Tsering, concluded a meaningful visit to London with a final engagement at the UK Parliament on Monday, alongside a series of meetings with government officials. The parliamentary event, held at Portcullis House, was hosted by Chris Law MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet (APPGT), and brought together British parliamentarians, aides, Tibet supporters, and civil society figures for an in-depth dialogue on the Tibetan cause and the future of UK-Tibet relations.
In his keynote address, Sikyong Penpa Tsering outlined the CTA’s preparations to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, which will be commemorated globally as the Year of Compassion (July 2025 – July 2026). He reflected on the Dalai Lama’s unwavering commitment to non-violence, interfaith harmony, and peaceful resolution of conflict – universal principles that resonate across political and cultural divides in an increasingly turbulent world.
Renewed Policy Appeals to the UK Government
The Sikyong used the occasion to urge the UK government to take a more assertive role in support of Tibet, presenting a series of principled and timely policy recommendations:
Reassess the UK’s stance on Tibet by returning to its pre-2008 policy, when Tibet was treated as an unresolved international issue, rather than being dismissed as an internal matter of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Defend Tibetan religious freedom by supporting the right of the Tibetan people to determine the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama in accordance with their centuries-old Buddhist traditions – free from Chinese government interference, particularly the PRC’s 2007 State Religious Affairs Order No. 5, which seeks to control reincarnation processes.
Issue an unequivocal public statement affirming that decisions regarding reincarnation rest solely with the Tibetan Buddhist community, not with any secular authority, and certainly not the Chinese Communist Party.
Reject the usage of the term “Xizang”, which the Chinese government increasingly promotes in global discourse to replace “Tibet.” The Sikyong warned that this strategic shift is part of a wider effort to erase Tibetan history, diminish its cultural identity, and reduce the geopolitical scope of the Tibetan issue.
He clarified that while “Xizang” refers only to the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) – established by the PRC in 1965 and comprising just one-third of historic Tibet – Tibetans consider their homeland to include the three traditional provinces of U-Tsang, Kham, and Amdo, which together form the full cultural, historical, and spiritual territory of Tibet.
Diplomatic Engagements and Parliamentary Solidarity
In addition to the parliamentary meeting, Sikyong Penpa Tsering held constructive discussions with senior officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), where he reaffirmed the CTA’s commitment to non-violence, dialogue, and the pursuit of a peaceful solution for Tibet. He also encouraged the UK to demonstrate greater leadership in safeguarding the rights and identity of Tibetans under Chinese rule.
Chris Law MP, in his welcoming remarks, reaffirmed the APPGT’s enduring commitment to the Tibetan people. He underscored the UK’s responsibility to uphold religious freedom, cultural survival, and genuine autonomy, in alignment with the Middle Way Approach and international human rights norms.
Community Engagements and Youth Outreach
Over the weekend, the Sikyong engaged directly with members of the Tibetan community in the UK, including a dynamic session with Tibetan youth, during which he encouraged the younger generation to stay connected to their roots and play a meaningful role in advancing the Tibetan cause. He also attended a vibrant cultural performance by the London School of Tibetan Language and Culture, and delivered a public talk and Q&A session with the Tibetan Community in Britain, fostering open dialogue and renewed energy within the diaspora.
Looking Ahead: A Seasoned Leader in a Defining Moment
Following his UK engagements, Sikyong Penpa Tsering departed for Germany to continue his European tour, where he will deepen diplomatic outreach and engage with Tibetan communities across the continent.
With the next round of Central Tibetan Administration elections expected in late 2025 or early 2026, Sikyong Penpa Tsering is widely regarded as a strong contender for re-election. A seasoned Tibetan politician with over three decades of public service, including seven years as Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, his current tenure as Sikyong has been marked by principled international engagement, attempts of renewing global visibility for the Tibetan cause, and a commitment to defending Tibetan identity against rising authoritarian pressures.
Emerging Dynamics and Potential Rivals
Speculation is growing about potential challengers in the upcoming elections. Among the most frequently mentioned is former Sikyong Dr Lobsang Sangay, who led the CTA from 2011 to 2021. A Harvard-trained legal scholar, Dr Sangay currently serves as a Senior Fellow at East Asian Legal Studies Program, Harvard Law School. His recent public commentaries, academic appearances, and visible re-engagement with Tibetan diaspora communities have fuelled rumours of a possible political comeback. During his tenure, he helped elevate the global profile of the CTA, engaging directly with Western governments and institutions.
Meanwhile, attention has also turned to Shepenn Kymsar, a Tibetan-American filmmaker and activist currently on an international tour screening his acclaimed resistance-themed film, Four Rivers Six Ranges. Notably, Sikyong Penpa Tsering has appeared at several of these screenings, including in London, Toronto, and other places, where he shared the stage with Kymsar during post-screening remarks. These appearances have prompted speculation about a coordinated narrative effort, potentially aimed at mobilising younger Tibetans and reinforcing the political legitimacy of the CTA through cultural engagement.
Some observers interpret this as the Sikyong’s attempt to align himself with youth voices and creative platforms, presenting a modernised, culturally fluent leadership style that resonates with the diaspora’s younger demographic. Others suggest it may signal a strategic endorsement of Kymsar’s activism, or possibly a prelude to political collaboration or alliance-building ahead of the elections.
Though no official candidacies have yet been declared, these developments indicate a subtle but significant shift in the Tibetan political landscape. With the incumbent consolidating his record while engaging new constituencies, and potential rivals re-entering public discourse, the 2025/26 elections are shaping up to be a pivotal moment for the future of Tibetan leadership in exile.
Representaive Tsering Yangkey (left); Sikyong Penpa Tsering (centre) and Chairman Phuntsok Norbu (right) | 22 June 2025
On 22nd June, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the elected political leader of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), met with members of the Tibetan Community UK during his official visit to the country. The event, held in south-east London, was part of his broader engagement with the Tibetan diaspora across #Europe.
During the gathering, Chairman Phuntsok Norbu of the Tibetan Community UK delivered a comprehensive report highlighting the community’s recent activities, achievements, and ongoing challenges. His presentation reflected the aspirations and concerns of the British Tibetan community and reaffirmed their continued support for the CTA’s efforts to preserve Tibetan identity and advocate for Tibetan rights.
Mrs. Tsering Yangkey, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, based at The Office of Tibet-London, who is also the Chair of the Tibet House Trust, gave a very warm welcome address.
Earlier in the day, Sikyong Penpa Tsering attended the annual cultural showcase organised by the community’s London School of Tibetan Language & Culture. The event featured performances by Tibetan children, celebrating traditional music, dance, language and history. Sikyong personally presented certificates of appreciation and achievement to the young participants, acknowledging their dedication to preserving Tibetan heritage in the diaspora.
The visit served to strengthen the bonds between the Central Tibetan Administration and the Tibetan community in the UK, reinforcing shared goals in the pursuit of cultural preservation, education, and advocacy for Tibet’s cause on the international stage. He spoke at length for over an hour followed by Q&A lasted another hour.
The evening ended with a delicious cooked dinner by community members and Gorshey, the popular Tibetan circle dance.
An extraordinary story of defiance and devotion to a homeland under siege is coming to London for its UK premiere. On Saturday, 21st June, audiences will have the rare opportunity to witness the acclaimed historical drama Four Rivers Six Ranges, an English-language feature film that breathes life into one of the most pivotal, yet underrepresented, chapters of 20th-century Central Asian history – the Tibetan resistance against Communist China’s brutal invasion in the 1950s.
Directed by Shenpenn Khymsar and based on Dorjee Wangdi Dewatshang’s powerful memoir Flight at the Cuckoo’s Behest, the film takes viewers deep into the heart of Kham and Amdo – Tibet’s eastern frontiers – where ordinary civilians rose up in defence of their spiritual leader, the 14th Dalai Lama, and a way of life on the verge of extinction. The title, Four Rivers Six Ranges, evokes the vast and sacred Tibetan landscape – a homeland worth dying for.
Director Shenpenn Khymsar with international Chinese American actor Ribert Lin who plays the menacing General Tan.
This UK premiere offers more than just a film screening – it’s an invitation into the soul of a movement, rooted in faith, survival, and the difficult moral choices faced when nonviolence is shattered by war. With sweeping cinematography filmed in Nepal, Four Rivers Six Ranges paints an emotional, multi-layered portrait of a resistance born not of military training, but of community, desperation, and courage.
First showcased at the prestigious International Film Festival Rotterdam and awarded Best Soundtrack at the 2025 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, the film is already gaining global acclaim for its artistic direction and emotional depth. For Tibetans and those familiar with their struggle, it marks a long-overdue cinematic reckoning with a silenced past. For new audiences, it serves as a powerful entry point into a story of freedom, identity, and human endurance.
EVENT DETAILS
Venue: Curzon Soho, 99 Shaftesbury Avenue London W1D 5DY Date: Saturday, 21st June 2025 Time: 18:00 – Opening Remarks by Director Shenpenn Khymsar 18:30 – Film Screening 20:30 – Q&A with the Director
This is not just a film premiere. It’s a moment of truth-telling – and you’re invited.
Four Rivers Six Ranges is currently rated 18+, though an update to 12A or 15 is expected shortly.
Four Rivers Six Ranges (4R6R) Monk & The Warrior Productions
Film
Four Rivers Six Ranges, Chapter 1. Written | Produced | Directed by @shenpenn_k Produced by Dorjee Wangdi Dewatsang Cinematography by @bcoxdp
As the Tibetan exile community enters election season, heightened visits by leaders raise questions about accountability, democratic integrity, and the true purpose behind their outreach, writes London-based Tibetan blogger Tsering Passang.
As the Tibetan diaspora prepares for the 2026 general elections, one cannot help but notice a surge of engagement by elected leaders of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). From community gatherings to cultural events, and even parliamentary meetings abroad, the visibility of our political representatives is higher than at any other point in the term.
But is this renewed attentiveness driven by a deep commitment to the people – or is it a carefully choreographed election-year routine?
Earlier this year, three Tibetan Members of Parliament, led by Speaker Sonam Tenphel and senior MP Dawa Tsering, visited the UK on a parliamentary learning session. Admirably, they made space in their packed schedule to meet the local Tibetan community. Yet, when asked a simple but fundamental question – “What have been your key achievements this term?” – the responses offered little clarity. One Chithue dismissed the question as “demeaning,” while another claimed that upholding the CTA’s official “Middle Way” policy was their foremost contribution.
Surely, Tibetan constituents – whether in India, Europe, or elsewhere – have every right to ask such questions of their representatives. Isn’t that the very basis of democratic engagement? Should the MPs not be proud to share tangible achievements, legislative milestones, or new ideas advanced during their term?
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the incumbent President of the CTA, has likewise increased his presence in the diaspora – visiting the UK at least three times during his tenure. This weekend, he will attend the annual function of the London School of Tibetan Language & Culture (LSTLC) as Chief Guest, where children will showcase the cultural knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the year. This event – coordinated with the support of Tibet House Trust, teachers and parents – rightly deserves commendation for preserving Tibetan identity in exile.
Later that evening, Sikyong will address the broader Tibetan community in a public gathering organised by the Tibetan Community in Britain. On Monday, he will also attend a parliamentary meeting hosted by the Scottish National Party (SNP) MP Chris Law, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Tibet in Westminster – highlighting the continued engagement between the Tibetan leadership and British lawmakers. He is also scheduled to interact with the young Tibetans during this trip.
These are positive developments, and such visibility and interaction with both the public and political allies are important. But the question remains: why now?
With the CTA’s election committees already activated and the preliminary round of voting expected later this year, the timing of these visits raises critical questions. Are these appearances rooted in a long-term commitment to public service – or are they driven by electoral calculations?
To be fair, Sikyong Penpa Tsering is one of the most hardworking Tibetan leaders in living memory. In addition to serving as the political leader of the CTA, he holds four key departmental portfolios: Finance, Health, Home, and Religion & Culture. His three ministerial colleagues – all women – manage the Departments of Education, Security, and International Relations. While the Sikyong’s multitasking may be a reflection of his capacity, it also signals an unhealthy centralisation of power – and a lack of delegation that should concern any democracy.
Should any one individual hold such an overwhelming share of responsibilities in a functioning democratic system?
Furthermore, Sikyong Penpa Tsering has stated previously that he will not participate in public election debates with his opponents, citing the risk of creating divisions within the community. While this concern is understandable, such a stance risks undermining the very foundations of democratic practice. Constructive debate is not divisive – it is vital. It allows voters to compare visions, scrutinise policies, and assess leadership. Refusing to debate publicly not only denies the electorate this opportunity, it also sends an unfortunate message: that transparency and competition are to be feared, not embraced.
Accountability must never be seen as a threat. It is the oxygen of democracy.
As Tibetan voters – many of whom live in free societies where democratic norms are cherished – we must ask: what kind of democracy do we want to see flourish in our exile institutions? One that celebrates ceremony and speeches, or one that insists on scrutiny, debate, and delivery?
As families gather this weekend in London to celebrate their children’s cultural achievements, there will be pride and hope. But we should also approach these events with clear eyes and thoughtful questions. Have our leaders shown consistent commitment to the wellbeing of the diaspora – whether on issues of youth engagement, elder care, mental health, or rising living costs? Have they put forward bold ideas to advance the Tibetan cause on the world stage? Have they strengthened democratic structures within the CTA – or simply maintained the status quo?
These are the questions the electorate must begin asking – not just at election time, but throughout each parliamentary term. Civic engagement, after all, should not be seasonal.
Let us welcome community visits, cultural celebration, and political dialogue. But let us also demand accountability, responsiveness, and courage from those who seek to lead.
Democracy in exile must not be reduced to an illusion. It must be lived – with responsibility, with integrity, and above all, with trust in the people.
Tsering Passang, a blogger, is the Founder and Chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities and a long-time advocate for Tibetan rights and democratic values.
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM), under the leadership of its founder-chair, Tsering Passang, who is also a former Chairman of the Tibetan Community in Britain, joined a powerful and unified demonstration in London on Saturday, 14th June, to oppose the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) proposed mega-embassy complex at Royal Mint Court – a project that continues to face fierce local and international opposition.
In a rousing speech delivered near the historic Tower of London, Passang reaffirmed the alliance’s unwavering opposition to what he called a “monstrous” plan that threatens civil liberties, national security, and the integrity of British democratic institutions.
“More than five years ago, when this appalling plan first emerged, we came together to resist it,” said Passang. “Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hongkongers, pro-democracy Chinese, advocacy groups, and allies stood shoulder to shoulder with Tower Hamlets residents and councillors. Together, we marched these very streets, engaged MPs, and raised the alarm.”
This latest high-profile protest – which drew a combined crowd of over 4,000 people across two consecutive rallies (“No to CCP Mega-Embassy” and “China: Stop Transnational Repression”) – was organised by leading members of the Hong Kong diaspora, including former District Councillor Clara Cheung. It brought together a diverse alliance of communities including Tibetans, Uyghurs, Southern Mongolians, Taiwanese, pro-democracy Chinese, Ukrainians, local residents and British human rights advocates.
Passang reminded attendees that this would not be an ordinary embassy if approved. “This would become the CCP’s largest foreign outpost in Europe – a vast and intimidating compound, just steps away from the historic Tower of London, a symbol of British freedom and resilience. It would be a beacon not of diplomacy, but of surveillance, intimidation, and transnational repression.”
He pointed to mounting international concern over China’s diplomatic footprint, citing covert Chinese police stations uncovered in the US, Europe, and even in London. Countries such as the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United States have voiced serious alarm, with many taking decisive actions to counteract CCP-led interference.
GATPM also commended key British institutions and individuals who have stood against the project – including Members of Parliament, national security services, the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), and principled business leaders – all recognising that this embassy would pose not only a local threat, but also a national one.
“We urge the British Government to act boldly – in defence of national security, democratic values, and moral leadership,” said Passang. “Reject this expansionist CCP project. Do not let the Royal Mint Court become a gateway for repression on British soil.”
In her address, organiser Clara Cheung reminded the crowd that Tower Hamlets Council had rejected the embassy application in December 2022, citing safety, heritage, and policing concerns. However, the UK Government later “called in” the decision for review following Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to China in October 2024 – a move she denounced as undermining local democracy.
“This does not respect the bottom-up democratic mechanisms that the British people have long valued,” Cheung said. “As a former Hong Kong District Councillor, I believe it is important to maintain a bottom-up democratic channel to listen to communities’ down-to-earth opinions. Although Hongkongers have lost many battles, we have not given up – and we don’t want our friends in the UK to lose it.”
Other speakers included: Ying Perrett, Liberal Democrat Councillor (Surrey); Carmen Lau and Tony Chung, former Hong Kong District Councillors (both with HK$1 million bounties on their heads); Dr. K, renowned pianist; Liz, Tower Hamlets resident; Hsuan-Yi Li, Taiwanese activist and Kalun To, former Hong Kong District Councillor.
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities pledges to continue its campaign in coalition with all who stand for freedom, justice, and human dignity – to ensure that Britain does not become a safe harbour for foreign repression.
Portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama before his enthronement by Kanwal Krishna (Indian, 1910-1993) (Credits: The Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould CBE / Bonhams)
The much-anticipated auction of the Sir Basil Gould Collection of Arts at Bonhams New Bond Street on 5 June 2025 has garnered extraordinary international attention, realising nearly £1 million (£951,770) and casting a renewed spotlight on Tibet’s rich cultural heritage and Britain’s historic ties with an independent Tibet. Bidders from across the globe – notably from the Far East, Europe, and the United States – competed for this rare and profound collection of artwork, manuscripts, and personal archives relating to early 20th-century Tibet.
Sir Basil Gould, the Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet who was appointed to represent the British government (Credits: The Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould CBE / Bonhams)
Topping the 49-lot auction was The Dalai Lama on the Throne on 22 February 1940, an evocative portrait by renowned Indian artist Kanwal Krishna, which achieved £152,800 (including premium). The painting captures the young 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, enthroned in Lhasa at the age of four – a climactic moment in Tibetan history, vividly observed by Sir Basil Gould, Britain’s Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet.
A further highlight was the complete 40-piece set of Kanwal Krishna’s original watercolours, painted during the 1939–40 British Mission to Lhasa. These unique works, documenting the ceremonial and spiritual intricacies of the Dalai Lama’s recognition and enthronement, sold for an impressive £457,600.
Giles Peppiatt, Bonhams Group Head of Pictures, remarked:
“The Gould Collection has been one of the most extraordinary and profoundly important historical sales I have ever been involved with. The centrepiece, Krishna Kanwal’s oil work of the Dalai Lama on the throne, documents the enthronement – at the age of four – by an artist who was on the spot. It also conveys the sense of spiritual wisdom emanating from this small boy, something that was much remarked upon by those who met him. We are delighted with the result for the watercolours depicting the ceremonies, dignitaries, and enthronement, which are as beautiful as they are significant.”
Another notable lot was the rare Report on the Discovery, Recognition and Installation of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama in its Tibetan woodblock-printed edition, which fetched £17,920. Approved by the Tibetan government and distributed to senior officials in 1941, this document affirms the Tibetan-led recognition of the Dalai Lama – free from any Chinese interference – countering modern revisionist narratives promoted by the Chinese Communist Party.
Britain’s Role in Documenting an Independent Tibet
Sir Basil Gould’s extensive involvement in Tibetan affairs is further underscored by the sale of his personal archive, including over 1,500 photographs from his 1936–1937 Mission to Lhasa and rare cine film later screened for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. These archives not only preserve visual records of pre-occupation Tibet but also reaffirm Britain’s diplomatic engagement with a sovereign and independent Tibetan state.
GATPM’s Advocacy Behind the Scenes
Among the originally scheduled auction items were two historic letters from 1947, addressed to Sir Basil Gould from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Regent. These letters sought British assistance for the official Tibetan Trade Delegation to the United Kingdom, United States, and India – clear and compelling evidence of Tibet’s sovereign international status prior to Communist China’s occupation.
In a respectful and quiet act of diplomacy, Tsering Passang – son of a Tibetan resistance fighter and Founder-Chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) – successfully appealed to the Gould family and Bonhams to withhold these sensitive documents from public sale.
“This deeply meaningful outcome shows what is possible through trust, discretion, and shared respect for historical truth,” said Passang. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Gould family and Bonhams for recognising that these are not merely collectables, but sacred pieces of Tibet’s sovereign history. Their decision to withdraw the letters ensures they are preserved with the dignity and care they deserve – and not lost to private hands that may misuse or obscure their significance. In the Tibetan struggle, preserving our historical voice is an act of justice, remembrance, and cultural survival.”
“This deeply meaningful outcome shows what is possible through trust, discretion, and shared respect for historical truth. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Gould family and Bonhams for recognising that these are not merely collectables, but sacred pieces of Tibet’s sovereign history. Their decision to withdraw the letters ensures they are preserved with the dignity and care they deserve – and not lost to private hands that may misuse or obscure their significance. In the Tibetan struggle, preserving our historical voice is an act of justice, remembrance, and cultural survival.”
Tsering Passang, Founder & Chair, Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities
A Moment of Cultural and Historical Reckoning
As the Tibetan diaspora continues its long struggle for recognition, justice, and freedom, the success of this auction underscores the enduring value of Tibet’s cultural and spiritual legacy. It is also a powerful reminder of the longstanding connection between Tibet and Britain – one rooted in mutual respect, diplomatic cooperation, and shared historical memory.
The auction has ignited renewed scholarly and diplomatic interest in Sir Basil Gould’s legacy, reaffirming his role as a trusted witness and friend of Tibet. For Tibetans and their allies, the proper curation and ethical handling of such archival treasures are more than matters of financial worth – they are vital acts of truth-telling and cultural affirmation.
This landmark global gathering – bringing together over 140 parliamentarians, experts, and human rights advocates from 29 countries – marks a critical reaffirmation of the international community’s commitment to the Tibetan cause. At a time when authoritarian regimes threaten fundamental freedoms, human dignity, and cultural survival, the WPCT stands as a powerful and principled assertion of global solidarity and shared democratic values.
The Convention’s focus on coordinated legislative action, alliance-building, and countering Chinese transnational repression reflects a bold and strategic advancement in international support. GATPM especially recognises the vital contributions from fellow human rights defenders and representatives of other persecuted communities – including Uyghurs, Hongkongers, Southern Mongolians, and Taiwanese – who stood in unity with the Tibetan people. Their participation underscores the shared and borderless nature of our collective struggle against repression and cultural erasure.
A deeply significant moment of the convention was the heartfelt message from His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, whose lifelong commitment to peace, nonviolence, and mutual understanding continues to inspire the global conscience. His call for “a mutually acceptable solution with a peaceful, non-violent path” and his unwavering support for the Middle Way Approach – seeking genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China – remains a guiding moral force. The adoption of a resolution honouring His Holiness’ enduring legacy, ahead of his 90th birthday, is both timely and profoundly meaningful.
TheTokyo Declaration reaffirms several key principles:
Support for the Middle Way Approach as the most pragmatic and peaceful solution to the Sino-Tibetan conflict;
A call for renewed international efforts to promote meaningful dialogue between the Tibetan leadership and the Chinese government;
A united stand against the Chinese Communist Party’s transnational influence operations, which undermine democratic institutions and civil liberties worldwide;
An urgent appeal to preserve Tibet’s distinct cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage, which faces systematic destruction under Beijing’s policy of enforced assimilation and surveillance.
TheTokyo Action Plan lays out clear and coordinated steps for lawmakers worldwide, including:
The formation and strengthening of Tibet Support Groups within national parliaments;
Introduction of parliamentary motions, public hearings, and advocacy initiatives to spotlight China’s human rights abuses in Tibet;
Consideration of targeted sanctions, including Magnitsky-style measures, against individuals and entities complicit in the repression of the Tibetan people.
As a British-Tibetan and founder of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Japanese Parliamentarians’ Support Group for Tibet, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, the UK delegation, and all other organisers and participants who delivered a convention of such strategic foresight and moral clarity.
Now more than ever, sustained international solidarity is vital. The Tibetan people – both inside occupied Tibet and across the diaspora – continue to resist with remarkable courage, dignity, and nonviolence in the face of relentless repression. Their peaceful struggle demands not just admiration but concrete political and diplomatic support.
Let us not settle for symbolic gestures. Let us transform these declarations into meaningful, coordinated action – actions that uphold justice, defend human rights, and realise the Tibetan people’s rightful aspiration to live in dignity, peace, and freedom.
We stand united – for Tibet, and for all persecuted peoples confronting tyranny.
Tsering Passang Founder and Chair Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 5 June 2025
Today marks the 74th anniversary of the so-called Agreement of the Central People’s Government and the Local Government of Tibet on Measures for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet – commonly known as the “17-Point Agreement”. Signed under duress on 23 May 1951 in Beijing, this document was never recognised by the Tibetan people and is now widely regarded as invalid under international law.
Despite Chinese assertions that it represented a peaceful accord between “motherland” and “minority,” the agreement remains a symbol of coercion, broken promises, and military occupation – not of voluntary unification.
A Signature at Gunpoint
The 17-Point Agreement was signed not through free negotiation, but under extreme military pressure. Tibet’s delegation in Beijing lacked authorisation from Lhasa and was denied any communication with the Tibetan government. The agreement bears seals, but not the informed consent of the sovereign Tibetan state.
Tibetan delegation signing the 17-Point Agreement. Front row right to left: Ngapoi Ngawang Jigme, Sonam Wangdu, Thuptan Tenthar, Thuptan Lekmuun, Tenzin Thondup. Back row left to right: Chen Yun, Zhu De, Li Jishen. Photo: Wikipedia.org
In 1952, Tibetan Prime Minister Lukhangwa confronted Chinese representative Zhang Jingwu, stating unequivocally that “the Tibetan people did not accept the agreement.” His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, then a teenager, later wrote in My Land and My People that he chose to cooperate temporarily only “to save my people and country from total destruction.”
Assurances Made – and Violated
In 1954, the Dalai Lama travelled to Peking for six months, meeting top Chinese leaders including Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. He attempted for nearly eight years to work within the agreement’s framework. But as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) tightened its grip and resistance was violently crushed, the CCP’s true intentions became clear.
Tibetan Leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama meeting Chairman Mao Tsetung in Beijing | 1954
The promised autonomy, religious freedom, and protection of Tibet’s traditional system were swiftly undermined. What followed was the destruction of monasteries, the erosion of language rights, and the dismantling of Tibet’s independent governance.
Repudiation in Exile
In March 1959, following the brutal suppression of the Tibetan National Uprising in Lhasa, the Dalai Lama fled to India. At his first press conference in Mussoorie, he publicly repudiated the 17-Point Agreement, declaring it null and void due to its coercive origins and systematic violations by China.
The Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969), though adopted years later, codifies longstanding principles of customary international law: any agreement signed under threat or use of force is invalid. China’s invasion of eastern Tibet in 1950 and its military intimidation during the 1951 negotiations clearly contravene this norm.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, (CTA), has categorically called the agreement “illegal under international law.” On the 63rd anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising in 2022, he denounced the so-called “peaceful liberation” as a violent annexation dressed in diplomatic clothing.
The agreement’s language painted a picture of partnership and protection. In practice, every major clause was betrayed. Below are the 17 key provisions of the agreement, followed by their historical context:
The 17-Point Agreement: Core Clauses
Tibet to be unified with the “motherland”; imperialist forces to be expelled.
Tibetan Government to assist PLA entry and help consolidate national defence.
Tibetan regional autonomy guaranteed under Central Government leadership.
Tibet’s political system and the Dalai Lama’s status to remain unchanged.
The Panchen Lama’s status and authority to be similarly protected.
Statuses of the 13th Dalai Lama and 9th Panchen Lama upheld.
Freedom of religion guaranteed; monastery income protected.
Tibetan troops to be integrated into the PLA.
Tibetan language and education to be developed as per local conditions.
Economic development in agriculture, livestock, industry, and commerce.
No reforms imposed; changes to occur via local initiative and consultation.
Former pro-KMT or pro-imperialist officials allowed to remain if loyal.
PLA to conduct fair trade and avoid taking anything from locals without consent.
External affairs to be handled by the Central People’s Government.
Military and administrative committees to include local Tibetan personnel.
Costs of PLA and administration to be covered by the Central Government.
Agreement to take effect upon signing.
A Record of Systematic Violations
Despite these promises, Tibet’s political autonomy was swiftly dismantled. The Dalai Lama was rendered a figurehead, religious institutions were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and Tibetan language and culture were marginalised.
Rather than being respected as partners, Tibetans were treated as subjects of an imposed colonial administration. China’s claim that Tibet “willingly returned” to China under this agreement is a falsehood, not supported by historical facts or legal principles.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Truth
The 17-Point Agreement is not a foundation for Chinese sovereignty over Tibet – it is a case study in coercion, occupation, and betrayal. It was signed under military threat, repudiated by the Tibetan leadership, and violated by China at every step.
As Tibetans mark 74 years since this unjust agreement, their call for justice, freedom, and self-determination grows stronger. Upholding these principles is not just a matter of historical redress – it is a vital test of the international community’s commitment to truth and the rule of law.
Join us for a candlelight vigil outside the Chinese Embassy in London to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre and honour the courageous individuals who stood for freedom, democracy, and human rights in China, as well as those in occupied Tibet, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia and Hong Kong.
📅 Date: Wednesday, 4 June 2025 🕗 Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 Venue: Outside the Chinese Embassy, 49 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL
On June 4th, 1989, the Chinese Communist Party ordered a brutal military crackdown on peaceful pro-democracy protesters in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Thousands of unarmed students, workers, and citizens – calling for democratic reforms and freedom of expression – were massacred. The true number of casualties remains unknown due to the Chinese regime’s strict censorship and ongoing repression of truth-telling.
To this day, the Chinese authorities deny justice, suppress memory, and persecute those who speak out. Every year, peaceful vigils are banned in mainland China, and activists are arrested for merely remembering the dead.
By standing together in London, we send a powerful message of remembrance and solidarity – not only for the victims of Tiananmen but also for all those suffering under the Chinese regime today.
We Stand in Solidarity With:
Chinese citizens and dissidents, including pro-democracy activists and human rights lawyers, who continue to risk their lives to stand up against tyranny
Tibetan people, whose culture, language, and religion are under systematic attack
Uyghurs in East Turkestan, facing genocide, forced labour, and internment camps
Southern Mongolians, resisting cultural erasure and assimilation
Hongkongers, whose freedoms and democratic rights have been crushed
Falun Gong practitioners, subject to torture, imprisonment, and organ harvesting
As Bonhams prepares to auction rare artworks from Sir Basil Gould’s Tibetan missions, questions resurface about Britain’s past support for an independent Tibet – and its future role amid rising Indo-Pacific tensions and China’s expanding influence.
Portrait of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at his enthronement by Kanwal Krishna (Indian, 1910-1993) (Credits: The Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould CBE / Bonhams)
A landmark exhibition and auction at Bonhams New Bond Street this June is set to spotlight a long-overlooked chapter in British diplomatic history – its historic engagement with a sovereign Tibet. As the Tibetan community and their supporters mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the 85th anniversary of his enthronement, rare archival artworks and collections documenting that era are going under the hammer, reigniting timely questions about Britain’s past commitments and future responsibilities regarding Tibet.
Revisiting Sovereignty Before the Storm
From 1–3 June 2025, Bonhams will exhibit The Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould (1883–1956), Britain’s former Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet. This unique archive – being offered for public auction for the first time on 5 June – provides striking visual and documentary evidence of Tibet’s de facto independence before the Chinese Communist occupation in 1950.
The centrepieces of the exhibition are 40 original watercolours by renowned Indian artist Kanwal Krishna, commissioned during Gould’s 1940 mission to Lhasa. These paintings document the divination, recognition, and enthronement of the 14th Dalai Lama at a time when Tibet conducted its own foreign policy, maintained diplomatic missions, and upheld a distinct national identity independent of China.
Two portrait works by Krishna – one of the Dalai Lama as a child before his recognition, and another at the moment of enthronement – carry individual estimates of up to £200,000.
Portrait of His Holiness the Dalai Lama before his enthronement by Kanwal Krishna (Indian, 1910-1993) (Credits: The Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould CBE / Bonhams)
Giles Peppiatt, Bonhams Group Head of Pictures, remarked:
“The Gould Collection represents a rare and profoundly important historical archive, shedding light on the cultural and political landscape of Tibet and the British presence in the Himalayas. Many of these items have never been seen on the open market, and we anticipate strong interest from collectors, institutions, and historians alike.”
Painting by Krishna Kanwal, The Dalai Lama being placed on the throne by Kalon Lama and Chikyab Khempo (Credits: The Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould CBE / Bonhams)
Reframing Tibet-UK Relations Through Art
In conjunction with the exhibition, Bonhams and the Office of Tibet are hosting a lecture by acclaimed Dalai Lama biographer Alexander Norman on 2 June. Titled “The Divination, Search & Installation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama,” the lecture will unpack the cultural and political significance of the Gould Collection. It serves as a reminder of Britain’s direct relations with Tibet before the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in 1949 and long before Beijing’s claims over the region gained international currency.
Norman’s talk will explore the untold story of British diplomacy in the Himalayas – when the independent Tibetan Government and British officials collaborated, and the enthronement of the Dalai Lama was conducted without reference to any Chinese authority. These interactions underscore a time when Tibet, though isolated geographically, was far from politically obscure.
Sir Basil Gould CBE: Britain’s Trusted Ally in Tibet
Sir Basil Gould, the Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet who was appointed to represent the British government (Credits: The Collection and Archive of Sir Basil Gould CBE / Bonhams)
Sir Basil Gould’s service in Tibet represents a high point of British engagement in the region. Long before his appointment as Political Officer for Sikkim in 1935, Gould served as Trade Agent in Gyantse (1912–1913), where he witnessed and participated in the delicate diplomacy preceding the Simla Conference (1913–1914). His early experience in Tibet gave him invaluable insight into its internal governance, and the degree of sovereignty exercised by the Tibetan authorities.
The Simla Conference itself, attended by representatives from Britain, China, and Tibet, produced the tripartite Simla Accord and the McMahon Line. Although China later repudiated the agreement, Britain continued to treat Tibet as an autonomous entity under its own government, often engaging directly in diplomatic and commercial matters.
Following the 13th Dalai Lama’s proclamation of Tibet’s independence in 1913, the British recognised Tibetan sovereignty in practice and extended various forms of assistance – including military training, arms, and technical support. Gould was instrumental in facilitating such cooperation, and remained a trusted intermediary between the Tibetan government and British India across several decades.
In 1913, at the request of the Dalai Lama, Gould escorted four Tibetan boys to England for education – the “Rugby Boys.” Among them was Ringang, who trained as an engineer and later built Tibet’s first hydroelectric power station in 1927. Gongkar was another young Tibetan who received British military training, including at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich during World War I. These episodes reflected Tibet’s modernising ambitions and willingness to embrace international cooperation.
As Britain’s Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan, and Tibet from 1935, Gould helped maintain direct diplomatic relations with Lhasa. His participation in the 1940 enthronement of the current Dalai Lama, as the British government’s official envoy, underscores a period of bilateral engagement grounded in mutual respect and shared strategic interests – a stark contrast to Britain’s present-day policy of cautious neutrality, particularly after then-Foreign Secretary David Miliband’s 2008 statement which, in the context of global financial negotiations with China, downplayed Britain’s historic recognition of Tibetan autonomy.
Sir Basil Gould with Tibetan Prime Minister Lonchen Langdun in 1936 Credits
Auction Provenance and Cultural Diplomacy
The Gould archive remained in private family hands for decades. Following a recent bereavement, his descendants chose to bring the archive to public attention. Bonhams confirmed that there were no objections from any government or private party regarding the sale.
Far from being a mere commercial event, the auction is viewed by many Tibetans and their supporters as a cultural milestone – a respectful recognition of Tibet’s historical sovereignty, at a time when such truths are at risk of erasure by dominant geopolitical narratives. While some may argue that such items should eventually be returned to Tibet, others see their public display as a powerful means of preservation and awareness-raising.
Reclaiming Memory in the Shadow of Occupation
Since the PRC’s military invasion of Tibet in 1950 and the brutal crackdown on the Tibetan Uprising of 1959, over 6,000 monasteries have been destroyed and approximately 1.2 million lives lost. Tibetan language, religion, and identity have come under sustained assault. The Dalai Lama’s escape to India in 1959 led to the establishment of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), a democratic government-in-exile that continues to represent Tibetan interests globally.
The Bonhams exhibition offers a vivid reminder of the period before this rupture – when Tibet conducted its own foreign relations, developed infrastructure, and engaged in peaceful modernisation with trusted allies like Britain.
A Strategic Policy Opportunity for the UK
In light of Britain’s post-Brexit Indo-Pacific tilt, the exhibition raises pressing questions: Should the UK reconsider its policy of silence on Tibet? Can it acknowledge Tibet’s past independence while supporting a negotiated solution to the current crisis?
Policy Recommendations:
Revive Parliamentary Dialogue on Tibet for Tangible Outcomes: Initiate renewed debates in Parliament to explore Britain’s historical engagement and develop a future strategy aligned with UK Indo-Pacific interests.
Recognise Tibet’s Historic Sovereignty: Incorporate into official discourse that Tibet functioned as an independent state prior to 1950, as recorded in British diplomatic archives.
Support a “Buffer Zone” Approach: Examine strategic frameworks in which a demilitarised or genuinely autonomous Tibet could serve as a stabilising buffer between nuclear powers China and India – an idea endorsed by Lord Alton and Chris Law MP in their joint Op-Ed.
Extend Cultural and Political Support for the CTA: Deepen engagement with the Central Tibetan Administration in exile, recognising its democratic governance and moral authority.
Counter Disinformation: Support academic freedom and fund independent research initiatives to challenge Chinese historical revisionism and amplify factual narratives.
Conclusion: Past Lessons, Future Responsibility
For too long, Tibet has been treated as a geopolitical inconvenience rather than a moral and strategic ally. The Bonhams exhibition is a timely reminder that Tibet’s claim to self-determination – supported by three United Nations General Assembly resolutions (1959, 1961, and 1965) – is not a modern invention, but a continuation of centuries of cultural, political, and spiritual freedom.
With China preparing to mark the 100th anniversary of the PRC’s founding in 2049 with sweeping global ambitions, Britain must reclaim its historical voice on Tibet. This is not only a matter of justice for a long-forgotten ally, but also an essential step toward securing a principled and stable Indo-Pacific future.
Public Exhibition: 1–3 June 2025 Auction: 5 June 2025 Venue: Bonhams New Bond Street, London
Thirty years ago, on 17 May 1995, before he could speak his first words as a spiritual leader or sit among his people, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was abducted by Chinese authorities. He was just six years old. Since that day, neither he nor his family has been seen.
Born on 25 April 1989 in Lhari County, Tibet, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was a child whose destiny was to rise far beyond the remoteness of his birthplace. At the age of six, he was formally recognised by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama – the second-highest spiritual figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
What should have been a sacred milestone in Tibetan religious tradition instead marked the beginning of one of the longest and most egregious cases of enforced disappearance in modern history. The Panchen Lama, then only a child, became the world’s youngest political prisoner. Nearly three decades later, he remains forcibly disappeared – a haunting symbol of China’s relentless effort to dismantle the spiritual and cultural bedrock of Tibetan life.
A Deliberate Attack on Tibetan Faith
The abduction of the 11th Panchen Lama was not an isolated act. It is part of a systematic strategy by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to control, co-opt, and ultimately erase Tibetan Buddhism and identity. Recognising the crucial spiritual and political role the Panchen Lama plays – particularly in identifying the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama – Beijing has sought to impose its own narrative. Just months after kidnapping Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the CCP installed its own hand-picked candidate, Gyaincain Norbu, as a puppet Panchen Lama.
Tibet’s spiritual leaders in the 1950s – The 10th Panchen Lama (left) and The 14th Dalai Lama (Right)
This brazen move violated centuries-old Tibetan religious tradition and exposed the CCP’s deep-seated fear of the power of genuine faith. Tibetan Buddhism, with its foundation in reincarnation, ethics, and truth, is fundamentally at odds with an authoritarian regime that thrives on propaganda, censorship, and coercion.
More hypocritically, the Chinese Communist Party – which is constitutionally atheist and ideologically materialist – has no belief in spiritual systems. Yet it takes the liberty of selecting and installing religious leaders for political control. This cynical manipulation lays bare the Party’s true intent: not to protect faith, but to weaponise it.
Contravening China’s Own Constitution
The CCP’s actions in the Panchen Lama case not only violate international human rights standards, but also contradict the People’s Republic of China’s own constitution. Article 36 of the PRC Constitution clearly states:
“Citizens of the People’s Republic of China enjoy freedom of religious belief… The state shall protect normal religious activities.”
There is nothing “normal” about abducting a six-year-old child recognised through legitimate Tibetan religious processes and replacing him with a state-appointed proxy. Moreover, by imposing State Religious Affairs Bureau Order No. 5 (2007), which mandates that all Tibetan reincarnations must receive government approval, the CCP blatantly violates the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.
Such actions transform the PRC’s constitutional promises into hollow words and expose the Chinese regime’s duplicity. When an atheist state presumes authority to approve or deny reincarnated lamas, it tramples not only on religious freedom but also on the principle of non-interference in spiritual affairs.
The Historical Legacy of the Panchen Lama
Lobsang Trinley Lhündrub Chökyi Gyaltsen, The 10th Panchen Lama
The institution of the Panchen Lama dates back to the 17th century and is inextricably linked with the lineage of the Dalai Lamas. These two great spiritual figures have traditionally recognised each other’s reincarnations – a sacred mutuality that preserves the continuity of Tibetan Buddhism.
This continuity was violently disrupted when the People’s Republic of China invaded and occupied Tibet in 1950, bringing an abrupt end to centuries of Tibetan self-rule. Since then, the Chinese Communist Party has systematically sought to dismantle Tibet’s religious institutions and exert absolute political control over its spiritual life.
The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhündrub Chökyi Gyaltsen, was a courageous figure who stood up to the CCP’s brutal policies. In 1962, he risked his life by presenting a 70,000-character petition to the Chinese leadership, detailing the horrors inflicted upon Tibet – including mass starvation, destruction of monasteries, and persecution of monks. For his truth-telling, he was imprisoned and later placed under house arrest until his suspicious death in 1989.
State-Manufactured Religion and Cultural Erasure
In its attempt to control Tibetan Buddhism, the CCP has launched a systematic assault not only on religious leaders but on the entire Tibetan cultural and spiritual ecosystem. From banning the Dalai Lama’s image and teachings to enforcing Mandarin language instruction in schools and restricting monastery enrolments, the Party is working to erase a civilisation.
Beijing’s tactics amount to nothing short of cultural genocide. The forced imposition of state policy over sacred religious practices, including the reincarnation process, is an existential threat to Tibetan identity. The state’s manipulation of faith is not only unethical – it is genocidal in scope, aimed at replacing a vibrant living tradition with hollow propaganda.
The Global Pattern of Repression
The Panchen Lama’s disappearance is emblematic of a broader pattern of religious persecution in the People’s Republic of China and its occupied territories. In East Turkestan (Xinjiang), over a million Uyghur Muslims have been detained in internment camps. Christian churches are demolished, pastors jailed, and crosses torn down. Falun Gong practitioners endure arbitrary imprisonment and torture. In Inner Mongolia, the Mongolian language is being phased out of schools. Across the board, the CCP seeks to dissolve identities that do not conform to its monocultural, authoritarian vision.
Why the World Must Act
As the Dalai Lama ages, time is of the essence. The international community must not allow Beijing to hijack the sacred traditions of Tibet and install a counterfeit Dalai Lama. Such a deception would not only betray the Tibetan people but also undermine global religious freedom.
The United States, through the Tibet Policy and Support Act (TPSA), has already declared that only Tibetan Buddhists have the right to determine their spiritual leaders. India, home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-Exile (Central Tibetan Administration), bears a unique historical and moral responsibility. The European Union and other democratic nations must follow suit by linking human rights to diplomatic and economic ties with China.
Above all, the United Nations Human Rights Council must break its prolonged silence. It is unacceptable that a six-year-old boy could disappear for 30 years without a single independent investigation. The Panchen Lama is not a forgotten relic – he is a living, breathing soul, whose voice has been silenced by tyranny.
Recommendations for Immediate International Action:
Demand Independent Access: China must reveal the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and allow the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to verify his wellbeing.
End State Interference in Reincarnation: Repeal Order No. 5 and respect the religious autonomy of Tibetan Buddhists.
Support Genuine Tibetan Religious Leadership: Nations must publicly declare that only reincarnations confirmed by the Tibetan Buddhist community will be recognised.
Apply Targeted Sanctions: Impose Magnitsky-style sanctions on Chinese officials responsible for the disappearance of the Panchen Lama and for broader religious persecution.
Raise the Issue at the UN: The Human Rights Council must prioritise the Panchen Lama’s case and hold China accountable for enforced disappearances and violations of religious freedom.
Faith Cannot Be Manufactured
China may excel at replicating consumer goods, technology, and industrial prowess, but it cannot fabricate spiritual legitimacy. Faith is not a state commodity – it is a sacred contract between a people and their tradition. By abducting the Panchen Lama and imposing a false successor, the CCP has not only violated the rights of a child, but assaulted the spiritual heart of an entire civilisation.
Gedhun Choekyi Nyima’s silence echoes louder with each passing year. His story is not just a cry for justice – it is a global call to conscience.
Return the Panchen Lama to the Tibetan people. Restore Tibetan religious freedom. Respect Tibetan spiritual sovereignty.
The Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) proudly joined a coalition of over 60 press freedom and human rights organisations, led by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), in calling for the immediate release of Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan.
This joint appeal, issued on 14 May to mark the fifth anniversary of Zhang Zhan’s initial arrest, underscores the global outcry against her continued arbitrary detention. Zhang Zhan’s health has critically deteriorated due to repeated hunger strikes in protest of her unjust imprisonment. GATPM stands in solidarity with all those defending press freedom and human rights in China, and urgently demands that Chinese authorities release Zhang Zhan without delay.
We, the undersigned press freedom and human rights organisations, strongly condemn the Chinese government’s ongoing arbitrary detention of journalist, human rights defender and former lawyer Zhang Zhan, on the 5th anniversary of her arrest.
Zhang is an outspoken journalist, and one of many Chinese citizens who are imprisoned for exercising their right to freedom of the press and expression. Zhang Zhan was first detained on 14 May 2020, after she travelled to the city of Wuhan to courageously report on the early stages of Covid-19 pandemic, documenting overflowing hospitals, empty shops, and families of victims and independent journalists being harassed by the authorities. She is currently persecuted for supporting pro-democracy activist Zhang Pancheng, and reporting on human rights violations in the country.
At the beginning of March 2025, NGOs sources confirmed that Zhang will soon be tried on the charge of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble”, a charge often used by Chinese authorities to suppress journalists, writers and human rights defenders. The date of her trial is still unknown, as she remains detained in the Pudong Detention Center in Shanghai, facing an additional up to 5 years in prison if convicted.
Zhang Zhan, was apprehended by the police on 28 August 2024, only three months after completion of an earlier four-year sentence under the same charge, while travelling to her hometown in the Shaanxi province in northwest China. In the weeks leading up to this incident, Zhang kept reporting on the harassment of activists in China on her social media.
Her first detention was deemed arbitrary under international human rights law by the UN’s Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in a 2021 opinion. In a November 2024 letter to the Chinese government, nine UN Special Procedures mandates raised lengthy concerns about patterns of repression against Zhang Zhan, alongside 17 other human rights defenders, requesting the government to take measures to prevent any irreparable damage to life and personal integrity, and halt the violations of her human rights. The government’s three-lines response on Zhang Zhan’s status merely asserted that “her legitimate rights and interests have been fully protected.”
China remains one of the most repressive countries for freedom of speech and press, and ranks 178th out of 180 in the 2025 Reporters without Borders (RSF)’s World Press Freedom Index, and is the world’s leading jailer of journalists and writers, according to data from Committee to Protect Journalists, RSF, and PEN America.
The charge “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” was used against over 100 individuals for peacefully exercising or defending human rights between 2019 and 2024. Chinese authorities often used this crime to justify political persecution of human rights defenders, including journalists. In March 2024, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, also called on the Chinese government to revise the “picking quarrels and provoking trouble” provision and release all HRDs, lawyers, and others detained under that charge.
In detention, Zhang Zhan has engaged in intermittent hunger strikes to protest her arbitrary detention. In 2021 she was twice hospitalised due to severe malnutrition and a rapid deterioration of her health.
In January 2025, Zhang Zhan again re-started her hunger strike in protest of her second arrest. In response, detention centre personnel have subjected her to forced-feeding through a gastric tube – a practice that may amount to torture or other ill-treatment, in violation of the Convention against Torture ratified by China in 1988. Her lawyer has been allowed to meet with her but has been under pressure from the authorities not to disclose the case details publicly.
Despite the relentless calls of the international community to immediately release Zhang Zhan, the Chinese government continues to ignore the urgency of the matter. Yet, the restrictions against journalists or anyone who speaks out against the abuse of the government has tightened drastically, despite the right to freedom of speech and press being guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as by Article 35 of the Chinese Constitution. Zhang’s prosecution is being used as a warning to others who might challenge the government’s propaganda machine.
Zhang Zhan’s arbitrary detention is a mockery of China’s international human rights obligations to ensure humane prison conditions. Furthermore, Zhang Zhan has committed no internationally recognisable offence, but has been subjected to harsh punishment for reporting on facts and exercising her right to freedom of expression.
We urge the Chinese government to:
Immediately and unconditionally release Zhang Zhan and put an end to all acts of harassment towards her;
Guarantee Zhang Zhan’s safety, psychological well-being and access to adequate and independent medical care;
Allow her unhindered access to her family members and lawyer of her choosing;
Submit its state report to the Committee against Torture (CAT), which is over five years overdue, including providing information on the conditions in secret detention and Residential Surveillance at a Designated Location, and providing concrete legislative measures and data about the implementation of previous CAT recommendations concerning these practices;
Put an end to systemic crackdown on civil society, including harassment, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention of journalists, writers, and human rights defenders.
We urge UN bodies and officials, including High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, and governments concerned with human rights in China to:
Increase support to journalists, writers, and human rights defenders across and from China;
Advocate for the releases of arbitrary detained journalists, writers, and human rights defenders, including using high-level meetings to publicly call for the release of specific individuals by name;
Condition international law enforcement interactions and rule of law cooperation with the Chinese government on the government’s dropping all charges and quashing all convictions against those wrongfully detained for peacefully exercising or advocating human rights, including press freedom and right to information.
Signatories:
ARTICLE 19
Alliance for Citizens Rights
Amnesty International
Association of Taiwan Journalists (ATJ)
Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA)
Chicago Solidarity with Hong Kong
China Aid Association (ChinaAid)
China Change
China Dissent Network
Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD)
Coalition For Women In Journalism
Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
Den norske Tibet komité
Dialogue China
European Values Center for Security Policy Taiwan Office
Fortify Rights
Forum 2000 Foundation
Freedom House
Front Line Defenders
Georgetown Center for Asian Law
Gerakan Media Merdeka (GERAMM)
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities
Grupo de Apoio ao Tibete-Portugal
Hong Kong Committee in Norway
Hong Kong Watch
Human Rights Watch
Human Rights in China (HRIC)
Humanitarian China
Independent Chinese PEN Center
Index on Censorship
International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
International Service for Human Rights (ISHR)
International Tibet Network
International Women’s Media Foundation
l’ACAT-France
Legal Initiatives for Vietnam (LIV)
No Business With Genocide
PEN America
PEN International
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
Safeguard Defenders
Santa Barbara Friends of Tibet
Scottish Hongkongers
Solidarité Chine
Students for a Free Tibet
Taiwan Association of Human Rights (TAHR)
Taiwan Foreign Correspondents Club (TFCC)
The Human Rights Foundation
The Rights Practice
The Tibet Support Committee, Denmark
Tibet Action Institute
Tibet Solidarity
Tibet Support Group Ireland
Tibet Watch
Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP)
Vancouver Activists of Hong Kong (VAHK)
Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement (VSSDM)
Victoria Hongkongers Association (VHKA)
Viet Tan
World Liberty Congress
World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 
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