Tokyo, Japan — The political leader of Tibetan people, Dr Lobsang Sangay, who is currently on a visit to Japan, said to understand China one must understand Tibet as the device used by China during its invasion of Tibet is being repeated in its expansionist schemes in different countries around the world.
Speaking at a welcome reception organised by the Office of Tibet on Saturday, in honour of his visit to Japan which saw a largest gathering of Japanese and Tibetans, Sikyong expressed his deepest gratitude to the Japanese people for their contribution to the revival of the ancient civilization of Tibet, education of Tibetans and management of the Tibetan polity, according to the Office of Tibet in Tokyo, Japan.
"Because of your financial and moral support, Tibetan Buddhism which originated from India's ancient Nalanda tradition, is spreading across the world as His Holiness the Dalai Lama travels to different parts of the world. After China annihilated Tibetan Buddhist culture after its occupation of Tibet, Tibetans in exile have rebuilt their civilization from the ashes of destruction and it is dynamic, alive and thriving."
Sikyong said Tibetan Buddhism, which is 2500 years old, will outlasts communism in China which started around 50 years ago. There is no competition between the two, and we will be there for another 2500 years. The foundation of our sustenance is Buddhist civilization.
Sikyong said to understand China one must understand Tibet. "China's scheme to expansion through building infrastructure, entertainment hubs and coopting with leaders of other countries in the recent days were used prior and during their invasion of Tibet.
Sikyong said Tibetan Buddhism, which is 2500 years old, will outlasts communism in China which has been there for around 100 years. There is no competition between the two, and we will be there for another 2500 years. The foundation of our sustenance is Buddhist civilization. "Because of their mistaken belief, they are losing Taiwan which has became assertive with great sense of nationalism of being Taiwanese first rather than Chinese. Time is one our side and we will prevail," he said.
He reiterated that the China has no legitimacy and authority whatsoever in the recognition of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's reincarnation. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama belongs to Tibetans and only Tibetans have the right to recognise his reincarnation. China has destroyed Tibet's Buddhist religion during its invasion of Tibet and the recent demolition of Larung Gar and Yachen Gar shows its destruction of Tibetan Buddhism is still continuing.
Sikyong said the just cause of Tibet will prevail and His Holiness the Dalai Lama will return to Tibet. "Mahatma Gandhi said truth and non-violence will prevail. Martin Luther King said when we reach the mountain top, freedom will prevail. So please stay with us and keep supporting us till we prevail."
Earlier in the morning, Sikyong was interviewed by Mr Takaguchi Kenta of Newsweek Magazine. Following the interview, Sikyong attended a luncheon reception hosted by Mrs Kanrui Chizuru of Tibet Support Group in honour of his visit to Japan.
Later in the afternoon, Sikyong gave an interview to Asahi Shimbun, one the largest daily newspapers in Japan and is read by over 9.7 million people.
On being asked him about his expectations from Japan, Sikyong expressed his appreciation over the formation of the All Party Japanese Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, which he said will send a good and positive signal to the Chinese people as to how the world views the issue of Tibet.
"If you support Tibet openly and publicly, the Chinese people will know the real situation and take interest in knowing what is going on in Tibet. Public support of Tibet will send a clear message of hope that we respect human rights and democracy," Sikyong said.
"We hope the Japanese government will support the Middle Way Approach as it does not seek independence but genuine autonomy for Tibet," he added.
Responding to a question on his message to Japan, he said Japan is influential and richest country in Asia. Japan has a long tradition of Buddhism and democracy. Japan should proudly share its tradition and tell Chinese government that democracy and implementation of genuine autonomy in Tibet is viable.
Sikyong said he wishes to visit Japan once every year as it has been supportive of the Tibetan cause for a very long time and we urge Japan to continue its support.
Later in the afternoon, Sikyong Dr. Lobsang Sangay met the director and principal of Chiba Institute of Technology which is offering scholarships to three Tibetans to pursue Master's Degree at the Institute from this year.
Sikyong expressed his deep gratitude to Chiba Institute of Technology for their support not only for the individual student's education but for the benefit of the Tibetan cause in the long run.
"It will greatly benefit our cause in the long run if we can produce educated Tibetans and this will be our biggest capital. Japan has become one of the most developed countries in the world because of the strides it made in education."
Sikyong praised the courage and spirit of Chiba Institute to support the education of Tibetans in exile in the face of growing opposition from Chinese government to those who are supporting the issue of Tibet.
Tibet was invaded by Communist China in 1949. Since that time, over 1.2 million out of 6 million Tibetans have been killed, over 6000 monasteries have been destroyed and acts of murder, rape, arbitrary imprisonment, torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment were inflicted on the Tibetans inside Tibet. Beijing continues to call this a "peaceful liberation".
