The difference between Tibet and China is the difference between democracy and dictatorship.
While Tibetans have embraced democracy in exile, the Chinese government is the world’s leading advocate of autocratic rule, threatening the survival of democracy around the globe.
The Dalai Lama stands out as a rare leader who gave up power voluntarily so democracy could flourish. He spent decades leading Tibetan society through a process of democratization, culminating in his retirement from politics in 2011. By stepping down—while retaining his role as the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism—the Dalai Lama empowered Tibetans to govern themselves.
Inspired by the Dalai Lama, Tibetans have built their own democratic institutions in exile. The Central Tibetan Administration, based in Dharamsala, India, represents Tibetan exiles around the world. Tibetans vote for the CTA president and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. They also have an independent judiciary and a governing charter.
Contrast that with what Tibetans face in Tibet. Under China’s occupation of their homeland, the Tibetan people have no right to elect their own leaders. They lack freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and other democratic freedoms. And they are second-class citizens, with ethnic Chinese getting special rights and holding the vast majority of top government positions.
The Chinese government is the most powerful authoritarian government in the world today. But that’s not just a problem for the people it rules. With China exerting its influence at the UN and other international bodies, lining up its fellow repressive regimes and challenging the very idea of the democratic world order, the future of freedom is in danger around the globe.
Our choice is clear: To protect global democracy, we must stand with the Tibetan people.
The difference between Tibet and China is the difference between democracy and dictatorship.
While Tibetans have embraced democracy in exile, the Chinese government is the world’s leading advocate of autocratic rule, threatening the survival of democracy around the globe.
The Dalai Lama stands out as a rare leader who gave up power voluntarily so democracy could flourish. He spent decades leading Tibetan society through a process of democratization, culminating in his retirement from politics in 2011. By stepping down—while retaining his role as the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism—the Dalai Lama empowered Tibetans to govern themselves.
Inspired by the Dalai Lama, Tibetans have built their own democratic institutions in exile. The Central Tibetan Administration, based in Dharamsala, India, represents Tibetan exiles around the world. Tibetans vote for the CTA president and the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. They also have an independent judiciary and a governing charter.
Contrast that with what Tibetans face in Tibet. Under China’s occupation of their homeland, the Tibetan people have no right to elect their own leaders. They lack freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and other democratic freedoms. And they are second-class citizens, with ethnic Chinese getting special rights and holding the vast majority of top government positions.
The Chinese government is the most powerful authoritarian government in the world today. But that’s not just a problem for the people it rules. With China exerting its influence at the UN and other international bodies, lining up its fellow repressive regimes and challenging the very idea of the democratic world order, the future of freedom is in danger around the globe.
Our choice is clear: To protect global democracy, we must stand with the Tibetan people.