In anticipation of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Paris, a group of French senators led by Senator Jacqueline Eustache-Brinio has urged President Emmanuel Macron to prioritize discussions on Tibet. This appeal comes through an open letter which emphasizes the worsening human rights conditions in Tibet and the strategic importance of the region.
Senator Eustache-Brinio, head of the French Parliamentary Group for Tibet, along with 13 other senators, emphasized Tibet‘s significant geopolitical role and environmental concerns, particularly highlighting its status as a major water source for Asia. The region, often described as the “water tower of Asia,” is crucial due to its large freshwater reserves that are vital for multiple Asian countries.
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The letter also points out the decline in human rights under President Xi’s rule in China, with specific mention of severe restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms in Tibet. Furthermore, the senators criticized the forced attendance of over a million Tibetan children in Chinese boarding schools, a move seen as an effort to detach them from their cultural roots.
The senators reminded President Macron of the Dalai Lama’s “Five-Point Peace Plan for Tibet” proposed in 1987, which advocates for turning Tibet into a zone of peace and initiating serious discussions about Tibet’s future. They argue that addressing the Tibetan issue could lead to greater peace and stability across Asia.
The letter concludes with a call for a renewed dialogue between China and Tibet and stresses that respect for Tibetan rights should be central to France’s strategy towards China. The senators expressed hope that President Macron will adopt a firm stance on this issue during his discussions with President Xi, who is also scheduled to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during his visit.
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