Blurb: Sikyong Penpa Tsering met US officials and think tanks to discuss Tibet, counter disinformation, and promote religious freedom before traveling to Geneva for international forums
Washington
Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, recently concluded a series of high-level meetings in Washington, DC, aimed at raising global support for the Tibetan cause.
On February 5, he met US Senator Jeff Merkley, a long-time advocate for Tibet and the original sponsor of the bipartisan Resolve Tibet Act of 2024, according to the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA). The meeting highlighted continued US legislative backing for Tibet’s cultural and religious rights.
The following day, Sikyong engaged with the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, marking the end of his official US visit. During his stay, he also participated in discussions with leading think tanks about the growing disinformation challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China.
Sikyong addressed the International Religious Freedom Conference and took part in a fireside chat at the Atlantic Council, sharing perspectives on Tibetan democracy, leadership succession, and the protection of religious freedom. He was accompanied by Representative Namgyal Choedup of the Office of Tibet, Washington, DC, and President Tencho Gyatso of the International Campaign for Tibet.
Throughout his visit, Sikyong met long-standing supporters from across the US political spectrum and emphasized the importance of sustained legislative and advocacy efforts for Tibet. He also engaged younger members of Congress, urging them to maintain bipartisan support for Tibet in the future.
After concluding his official engagements, Sikyong departed Washington on February 7 to attend the Geneva Forum 2026. Earlier, the Australian All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet held discussions on plans to support Tibet amid the Autumn parliamentary session.
The CTA continues to press for genuine autonomy, protection of human rights, religious freedom, and the Tibetan people’s right to peacefully determine their future, as China has controlled Tibet since 1950.