Dharamshala: - A new report from Tibet says that Chinese authorities are targeting spiritual figures who advocate the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture and religion.

Dharamshala: - The US Ambassador to China, Mr Gary Locke, urged the Chinese leadership to engage in constructive dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama or his representatives to resolve tensions in Tibet.

"As Ambassador, I have witnessed China's rich diversity first hand. I have also seen cases where heavy-handed policies deny basic freedoms to ethnic and religious minorities, including ethnic Uighurs, Tibetans and Mongolians, undermining the trust that binds diverse societies," Mr Gary Locke said in a statement issued on 10 December, the International Human Rights Day.

"The United States calls on the Chinese government to protect the fundamental freedoms of all its citizens without discrimination. We also urge China's leaders to engage in constructive dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, as a means to reduce the tensions," he said.

The ambassador welcomed China's recent decisions to end the re-education through labour system and to strengthen the rule of law.

He expressed hopes that China's leaders will soon bring substance to the notion that certain inalienable rights pertain to all citizens.

Dharamshala: - Two Tibetan singers from Driru County of eastern Tibet were arrested by Chinese authorities for allegedly singing politically sensitive songs that expressed suffering of the Tibetan people.

Dharamshala: - Emerging reports coming out of Tibet say a Tibetan from Machu county set himself ablaze in Ngaba County North-eastern Tibet on Tuesday, December 3, in protest against Chinese repressive rule in Tibet.

Dharamshala: - China's ongoing crackdown in enforcing the government's 'mass line' policy has resulted in the sentencing of nine Tibetans in Shagchu (Ch: Xiaqu) town in Diru (Ch: Biru) County, Nagchu (Ch: Naqu) Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). All three identified so far have been charges of maintaining contacts with "Dalai clique" and for "engaging in activities to split the nation."

Dharamshala: - Chinese authorities have detained seven Tibetans in response to the latest self-immolation protest against Chinese repressive rule in Tibet.