Washington, DC [US], May 1 (ANI): Sikyong Penpa Tsering, President of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, held high-level meetings with US lawmakers on Capitol Hill, urging continued American support for Tibet amid mounting challenges under Chinese rule. The meetings included discussions with Representative Michael McCaul, former Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Brian Mast, the current Chair, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) reported.
During his conversation with Representative Mast, Sikyong provided updates on the worsening human rights situation inside Tibet and emphasized the geostrategic importance of the Tibetan plateau. He highlighted the impact of recent budget cuts on initiatives designed to strengthen Tibetan resilience, underscoring that the progress and influence these programs yield warrant sustained US backing.
Representative McCaul, a staunch supporter of the Tibetan cause, welcomed Sikyong and his delegation, which included Representative Namgyal Choedup from the Office of Tibet in Washington, DC, and Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet. In a gesture of solidarity, McCaul prominently displayed a framed photo of his past meeting with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in his office.
Sikyong presented McCaul with a recent letter addressed to the US Secretary of State and shared insights into the Central Tibetan Administration’s financial framework, acknowledging the pivotal role of US funding. He stressed the need for continued and strategically structured support, particularly in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
A key issue raised was the appointment of a new Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. Sikyong advocated for the position to be housed directly under the Secretary of State, reflecting its strategic significance within the US foreign policy apparatus.
Concerns were also voiced over operational challenges facing institutions such as Radio Free Asia (RFA), Voice of America (VOA), and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Sikyong emphasized their indispensable roles in amplifying Tibetan voices on the international stage.
In his follow-up meeting with Representative Mast, discussions centered on expanding congressional engagement with Tibet-related legislation and reinforcing bipartisan consensus on supporting Tibet. This marked Sikyong’s second encounter with Mast, the first having occurred in December 2024 following the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s renaming ceremony. Chairman Mast and his team extended a warm welcome to the Tibetan delegation.
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