Tibetan leaders have expressed strong reactions to remarks made by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning China during the recent Quad Summit.
Their responses come in light of rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, where China’s increasing influence and assertive behavior have drawn concern from several nations.
The Quad grouping, comprising the United States, India, Australia, and Japan, has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these challenges, with Tibetans emphasizing the importance of this alliance.
Sikyong Pempa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), and Dolma Tsering, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, both provided their insights on the evolving dynamics within the Quad alliance and its potential impact on the region and the world.
China’s Threat and India’s Crucial Role in the Quad
Sikyong Pempa Tsering was forthright in his assessment of the Quad alliance and its growing significance in the face of China’s global ambitions. Speaking about the alignment of interests within the grouping, Tsering stated, “It looks like the Quad formation is getting more entrenched, and as we have been mentioning over the years, the reality of China’s threat is very visible.” He further highlighted that India’s role in the Quad will be “very-very crucial” as the alliance works to counter China’s influence in the region.
Tsering also underscored the importance of increased cooperation between the United States and India, particularly in strategic sectors such as technology and defense. He noted, “There is a convergence of strategic alliance that needs to be formed because of China and China’s behavior, so that’s very much clear in this grouping.”
This growing cooperation between the two nations is seen as a vital component in countering China’s rising dominance in key areas, including microchip production and other critical technologies.
Additionally, Tsering acknowledged the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, particularly its significance as a bustling maritime trade route. He remarked, “The Indo-Pacific is a very busy maritime trade route from the Malacca Strait to the Indian Ocean, so it is important not only for the countries in this region but also for global trade.”
China’s growing hegemonic claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea have amplified security concerns, with Quad members like Australia playing a pivotal role in addressing these issues. As Tsering aptly pointed out, “Australia comes into this equation because of these maritime disputes.”
Increased Defense Spending in Asia-Pacific
The Sikyong further noted that several nations within the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, have ramped up their defense spending in response to China’s aggressive behavior.
“All of these countries are announcing significant increases in defense budgets only because of China’s actions,” Tsering said, emphasizing the regional shift towards bolstering security capabilities.
As these nations enhance their military preparedness, the Quad alliance’s role in maintaining stability and ensuring the rule of law in the region becomes even more critical.
The Quad’s emphasis on safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations within the maritime domain reflects its commitment to countering China’s coercive strategies.
Dolma Tsering, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, echoed similar sentiments, lauding the Quad leaders for their unified stance against threats to democracy and the rule of law.
“I think these statements are very important, especially coming from America and India,” she said, adding, “India becoming a leading power is a very positive development globally, and I want to congratulate Prime Minister Modi for that.”
Tibetan Leaders Call for Global Attention to Tibet
Dolma Tsering also touched upon the broader implications of China’s global ambitions, particularly under President Xi Jinping.
She warned that China’s expansionist policies pose a danger not only to South Asia but to the entire world.
“Xi Jinping’s global ambition of expanding wherever they touch is not only an intimidation and endangerment to South Asia but also to the whole world,” Dolma said, reinforcing the need for global vigilance against China’s aggressive actions.
Dolma emphasized that President Biden’s acknowledgment of China’s challenge to democratic nations was spot on. “President Biden has well said that China is testing us—the whole world, the democratic setup,” she stated.
In addition to geopolitical concerns, Dolma Tsering highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to conflicts worldwide.
“Prime Minister Modi has also expressed that they are looking for a possible peaceful resolution to conflicts happening around the world,” she noted. For Tibetans in exile, the hope for a resolution remains strong.
Dolma appealed to Prime Minister Modi and the Quad leaders to advocate for Tibetan rights, urging them to address the decades-old conflict between Tibet and China.
“We want the leaders to raise the issue of Tibet and the occupation of Tibet and try to resolve this long-standing conflict in the most amicable way,” she added.
Dolma Tsering also acknowledged the sizable Tibetan populations living in India, the United States, Australia, and Austria, further emphasizing the global nature of the Tibetan cause.
Her plea for international support comes at a time when Tibetans continue to face significant challenges under Chinese occupation.
Quad’s Stance on Maritime Security and International Law
The Tibetan leaders’ statements came just days after the Quad issued the Wilmington Declaration, expressing deep concern over China’s coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea.
In their joint declaration, the leaders of the US, India, Australia, and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to resolving maritime disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law.
They stressed that respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the maintenance of peace and stability in the maritime domain must remain top priorities.
As the Quad alliance continues to evolve, its members’ shared commitment to upholding democratic values and countering authoritarian threats remains steadfast.
For Tibetans like Pempa Tsering and Dolma Tsering, the Quad’s stance offers hope for a future where conflicts are resolved peacefully, and the rights of oppressed peoples, like those in Tibet, are recognized and upheld.
