Tibetan Parliamentarians and Chinese Delegation Visit Latvia and Estonia
This month, Tibetan parliamentarians have been visiting European countries like Latvia and Estonia to gather support for Tibet. At the same time, a Chinese delegation of “Tibetologists” has been visiting the same regions to promote China’s perspective on Tibet. The Chinese group, organized by the Chinese State Council Information Office (SCIO), highlighted what they called Tibet’s development in education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
Meetings in Latvia and Estonia
In Latvia, Tibetan parliamentarians Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende and Wangdue Dorjee met with the Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Daiga Mierina, and other MPs. Meanwhile, the Chinese delegation’s visit coincided with these meetings, aiming to counter the growing support for Tibet in the Baltic states.
China’s Propaganda Efforts
Political scientist Anne-Marie Brady notes that the SCIO is a key part of China’s foreign propaganda, trying to counter international narratives about Tibet. The SCIO has organized forums in various European cities to promote China’s narrative on Tibet, responding to international criticism of China’s policies in the region.
International Support for Tibet
In January 2024, a hearing in the Estonian Parliament titled “The Legal Status of Tibet” featured testimony from Tibetan political leader Sikyong Penpa Tsering and other experts. The hearing received significant media coverage in Estonia. Estonian parliamentary delegations have also visited Dharamsala, the headquarters of the Tibetan exile government, to show support.
China’s Global Narrative Control
China has been criticized for its treatment of Tibet since 1959. In 2013, President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of external propaganda, leading to the creation of the Tibet International Communication Center in Lhasa. This center is part of China’s strategy to control the global narrative on Tibet.
Doubts Revealed
Tibetan Parliamentarians -: These are members of the Tibetan government-in-exile, which represents Tibetans who live outside Tibet. They work to promote the interests and rights of Tibetans around the world.
Chinese Delegation -: A group of people sent by China to represent its views and interests. In this case, they are promoting China’s perspective on Tibet.
Latvia and Estonia -: These are two small countries in Europe, located near the Baltic Sea. They are known for their rich history and beautiful landscapes.
Tibet -: Tibet is a region in Asia, known for its unique culture and history. It has been a subject of political conflict between China and Tibetans seeking independence.
Tibetologists -: Experts who study Tibet, its culture, history, and politics. In this context, they are promoting China’s views on Tibet.
SCIO -: The State Council Information Office of China, which is responsible for spreading China’s official views and information to the world.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering -: He is the political leader of the Tibetan government-in-exile, working to represent and support the Tibetan people globally.
Anne-Marie Brady -: A political scientist who studies China’s influence and strategies. She provides insights into how China uses propaganda to promote its views.
