China upset over Indian MP's presence in function organised by Tibet

New Delhi: The Chinese embassy has shot off an angry letter to some Indian members of parliament (MPs) who attended a meet organised by the Tibetan govt in exile. China claims Tibet to be a part of its region and has expressed concern through a letter addressed to the Member of Parliament (MP) who attended the event. MP Sujeet Kumar, a conveyer of the ‘All-party parliamentary forum for Tibet’, has responded that China has no right to object to activities conducted within India.

Tibet’s government in exile had organised a meet on 22nd December, attended by six MPs of the ruling party and opposition party. Zhou Yongsheng, the Political Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy to India, has sent letters expressing concern to Indian MPs who participated in this event. He expressed that Tibet is not independent and is an integral part of China. Hence, Indian MP attending an event organised by Tibetan Government in exile is concerning.

MP Sujeet Kumar responded that China has no right to object to the programmes held in India. Although India has recognised that the Tibet Autonomous Region is part of China, MP Sujeet Kumar refused to accept Tibet to be a part of China. MP Sujeet Kumar asked why the Chinese Embassy decided to send letters to MP’s rather than taking up this issue with the external affairs ministry.

China had illegally captured Tibet in 1959 and later, the communist government oppressed the people of Tibet. In the last few years, China has systematically carried out inhumane offensive policies against Tibet’s specific culture, faith, and language. There was a huge protest by Tibetan living in India and worldwide. China has always suppressed the voices of dissent by use of economic and political pressures.

Tibet’s government in exile is based out of Dharmshala in India and it keeps escalating the voices of people and raises issues of Chinese oppression. Until now, the Indian government had avoided opposing China over Tibet. However, since China adopted a policy of provocation and challenged India’s sovereign borders, there seems to be a change from India’s side on sensitive matters to China like Taiwan and Tibet. China seems to be upset, recognising the change from the Indian government. This restlessness is reflected in the Chinese embassy sending out threatening letters to MP’s.

It is quite clear that India will not pay much heed to the objection raised by the Chinese embassy. This is adding to the concern and impatience of China.