The issue brief delves into the contentious matter of China’s renaming of 62 locations in Arunachal Pradesh, India, which has escalated tensions between the two countries. This renaming, culminating in the release of an official map of South Tibet (Zangnan) by the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs on March 30, 2024, marks the latest development in a series of exercises aimed at asserting Chinese influence in the region.

The document highlights the significance of this renaming exercise within the broader context of Indo-China relations, drawing parallels to China’s strategic moves in the Indo-Pacific region, where it has established a “String of Pearls” to extend its influence. By standardising names and issuing official maps, China seeks to solidify its territorial claims and potentially pave the way for future administrative control.

Referred to as the ‘Thread of Beads’, this renaming strategy underscores China’s systematic efforts to encroach upon Indian sovereignty and establish a foothold in Arunachal Pradesh. This has been accompanied by longstanding tensions, including the issuance of stapled visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh by China, indicating a pattern of provocations and challenges to India’s territorial integrity.

The brief outlines how China’s actions have far-reaching implications for India’s national security and its long-term development goals, particularly the vision for Viksit Bharat (2047). By propagating narratives about the alleged illegality of Indian occupation in South Tibet, Chinese media exacerbates tensions and increases the likelihood of confrontation in the region.

Drawing from open-source materials, including official communications from Beijing and trending Chinese articles, the brief provides insights into the motivations behind China’s renaming endeavours. Satellite imagery and official Indian government data are used to analyse the impact of these exercises on the ground, highlighting trends and patterns across the four renaming exercises conducted by China. With the case study of Tibet and Bhutan carried in understanding how China carries out these exercises to eventually annex and even occupy sovereign territory.

In conclusion, the issue brief underscores the gravity of China’s renaming efforts in Arunachal Pradesh and their broader implications for regional stability and India-China relations. It calls for a nuanced understanding of China’s long-term strategic objectives and emphasizes the need for proactive measures to safeguard India’s territorial integrity and national security interests.

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Conversation with Tenzin Pema La
Hosted by Tenzing Dhamdul, FNVA

In this episode Tenzin Pema la shares with us her journey from a young girl growing up in the Himalayas and how drawing inspiration from the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali she embarked on a remarkable journey into the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). During which she has won several medals representing India, the land of her birth.

In a recent demonstration of courage and determination, she prominently unfurled the Tibetan national flag at the Matrix Fight Night (MFN) 14 in Noida, India, drawing the admiration of thousands of Tibetan supporters who were there to support her in person. As she prepares for her upcoming bouts in the months ahead, we earnestly urge Tibetans and stakeholders alike to rally behind her endeavors.

Her journey is emblematic of resilience, highlighted by the daily trials she faces and the unwavering commitment to her rigorous training regimen, which serves as the cornerstone of her pursuit of excellence in the realm of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Beyond personal achievement, she vocalizes a profound aspiration: to not only represent the Tibetan community on the global stage but also to serve as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment. Through her participation in MMA and her determination to excel, she seeks to contribute meaningfully to the advancement and upliftment of her fellow Tibetans.
Moreover, she envisions leveraging her expertise to establish comprehensive training programs, fostering a new generation of skilled athletes and instilling values of discipline and perseverance within the Tibetan community.

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Conversation with Dr. Dickey Choedon La
Hosted by Tenzing Dhamdul, FNVA

In this episode Dr. Dickey Choedon la shares her meticulous research paper titled “Changing
Legal Identity: Tibetans View on Indian Citizenship”. She illuminates the profound paradigm
shift occurring within the Tibetan diaspora—a surge in applications for Indian citizenship
and the legal acquisition of Indian passports. With astute analysis, she delves into the
multifaceted realities confronting Tibetans in exile, deftly navigating the intricate web of
geopolitical complexities and socioeconomic imperatives that underscore their decisions.
Drawing from a rich tapestry of first-hand experiences and insightful interviews with
individuals from the Tibetan community, Dickey Choedon meticulously examines the
motivations and rationales driving this significant trend. Through the lens of her own
personal encounters and the poignant anecdotes shared by her interviewees, she unveils
the nuanced considerations shaping the trajectory of Tibetan identity in the contemporary
global landscape.

Dickey Choedon’s question on the continuity and cohesion within the Tibetan freedom
movement—a movement historically anchored in the steadfast preservation of Tibetan
culture, heritage, and autonomy, against the backdrop of burgeoning applications for Indian
citizenship. She calls upon more research into this topic especially in terms of the potential
ramifications on the unity and direction of their struggle for self-determination.

Dickey Choedon’s scholarly endeavour transcends mere academic inquiry, offering profound
insights that resonate deeply with policymakers, scholars, and stakeholders invested in the
Tibetan cause. By elucidating the complexities inherent in the evolving dynamics of Tibetan
legal identity, she contributes invaluable perspectives to the ongoing discourse surrounding
exile communities, citizenship, and the pursuit of justice in an increasingly interconnected
world.

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In response, the Foundation for Non-Violent Alternatives has come out Policy Briefs titled “2024 Election: Tibet in the Election Manifesto” for India’s two major national political parties, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), along with Key Takeaway points applicable to all major Political Parties of India.
These policy briefs urge political parties to include Tibet in their election campaign manifestos, building on past efforts.

Key Points highlighted in the briefs are:
I. Recognize Tibet’s strategic importance for India’s defense posture.
II. Encourage global cooperation on Tibet-related issues. Including dialogue between the two.
III. Advocate for the reestablishment of India’s mission in Lhasa; make the opening of Chinese offices in India conditional.
IV. Emphasize Tibet and the Himalayan region as India’s core interest.
V. Urge China for comprehensive information on hydropower projects, collaborative initiatives, and transparent environmental impact assessments.
VI. Demand a water-sharing agreement and the creation of an India-China Commission on Brahmaputra.
VII. Assert willingness to take the Brahmaputra water issue to international fora if necessary.
VIII. Reiterate India’s commitment to safeguarding Tibet’s religious and cultural identity.
IX. Pledge collaborative efforts to protect and promote Tibetan Buddhism.
X. Oppose outside interference in the Dalai Lama’s succession; offer support to the 15th Dalai Lama if in India.
XI. Promote interconnectivity and exchange along the Buddhist Himalayas.
XII. Work towards opening pilgrimage tourist routes, including Kailash-Mansarovar via Nathu-La and Demchok, and propose air and rail connections to Buddhist pilgrimage sites for the establishment of a Buddhist Circuit.

These points encapsulate central themes such as National Security, Policy for Himalayan States, Climate Change and Cultural Heritage, Buddhism, and the Succession of the 14th Dalai Lama.

We urge all stakeholders to utilize these policy briefs and key takeaways, urging political parties to prioritize Tibet’s issues on their election manifestos. Let’s bring Tibet to the forefront of discussions.

We thank all those who provided us valuable insights for the Policy Briefs.

Read/Download the key takeaway file
READ/DOWNLOAD PDF

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In an insightful conversation on the Unsilenced: Voices of Young Tibetans podcast series, we had the privilege to speak with Thupten Rinzin la. He was the then Coordinator of the India Tibet Coordination Office and shares his personal journey, experiences and future aspirations. Revealing the answer to the big question which we all ask and that is of how does one become a Civil Servant at the Central Tibetan Administration also known as the Tibetan
Government in Exile?

Thupten Rinzin provides a comprehensive account of his journey within the Central Tibetan Administration also known at the Tibetan Government-in-Exile since his induction in 2014, illuminating various avenues for involvement in civil service within it. Serving as the former Coordinator of the India Tibet Coordination Office, headquartered in New Delhi, he delves into the strategic initiatives devised to bolster support networks for Tibetans residing in India,
with a special emphasis on empowering the younger generation through targeted engagement programs.

Drawing from personal experience, Thupten Rinzin reflects on the transformative impact of the Tibetan Scholarship Program, an initiative spearheaded by the US government in collaboration with the Tibet Fund. As a beneficiary of this program, which facilitates the pursuit of higher education in the United States for Tibetan refugees, he highlights its
profound contribution to the holistic development of the Tibetan diaspora.

Despite transitioning from his role as Coordinator, Thupten Rinzin’s enduring commitment to the Central Tibetan Administration remains palpable. His ongoing efforts serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication towards advancing the interests of the Tibetan community and cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships for its sustained growth and prosperity.

Disclaimer: This session was recorded during Thupten Rinzin’s tenure as the Coordinator of the India Tibet Coordination Office. While he currently serves in the Social and Resource Development Fund (SARD) of the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, his insights remain valuable.

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