In a pivotal moment for pan-Asian relations, Dharamshala recently played host to delegates from the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. The group, as per Tibet.net, met with influential figures from the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile on October 30, 2023.
Representing Taiwan were distinguished members Huang Yu-Lin, President of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy; Wu Kuo pen, Advisor for the Overseas Compatriot Culture and Education Foundation; and Wu Ping-Tsung, Deputy Director of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. These delegates were joined by Kelsang Gyaltsen, Representative of the Office of Tibet in Taiwan.
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A key discussion during this visit was the shared challenges faced by Tibetans, Taiwanese, Uyghurs, Inner Mongolians, and Hongkongers. Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile emphasized, “There’s an urgent need for our communities to collaborate and raise awareness on the international stage about the opaque policies of the Chinese government,” reports Tibet.net.
The Speaker also provided insights into the Tibetan parliamentary delegations’ extensive interactions with Taiwanese embassies globally, shedding light on the significant opportunities available for stronger Taiwan-Tibet collaborations.
In response, Huang Yu-Lin praised the innovative approach of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, stating, “His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision for a democratized Tibetan community, with its unique representative structure, is indeed commendable,” a sentiment sourced from Tibet.net. The President further emphasized the mutual benefits of a strengthened bond between Taiwan and Tibet, considering their intertwined destinies.
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Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang, in her enlightening speech to the guests, navigated them through the genesis of Tibetan democracy in exile. Quoting Tibet.net, she reflected on the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s ambitious plans, which include transitioning to an e-parliament and other developmental projects.
The meeting wasn’t just one-sided. The guests, too, had much to share. Wu Kuo pen, known for his keen interest in Tibet‘s religious and environmental landscapes, applauded the exiled Tibetan community’s achievements, especially given their limited resources.
To conclude their visit, the delegates were treated to a tour of the parliament hall, marking a ceremonious end to a meeting that might hint at closer ties and collaborations between Taiwan and Tibet in the coming future.
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