In an unfolding diplomatic drama, Tibetan parliamentarians and Chinese “Tibetologists” are waging a battle for international hearts and minds in Europe. This clash reflects not only the geopolitical significance of Tibet but also the lengths to which Beijing is willing to go to control the narrative surrounding its contentious occupation of the region.
Tibetan Diplomacy in Europe
Tibetan parliamentarians from Dharamsala have been touring Europe to galvanize support for their cause. Leaders such as Geshe Lharampa Gowo Lobsang Phende and Wangdue Dorjee recently met highranking officials in Latvia, including Daiga Mieriņa, the Speaker of the Latvian Parliament. Their mission: to highlight Tibet’s historical independence, advocate for the MiddleWay Approach, and counter China’s narrative of Tibet as a harmonious part of the People’s Republic of China.
In Estonia, the Tibetan political leader (Sikyong) Penpa Tsering provided compelling testimony during a January 2024 parliamentary hearing titled “The Legal Status of Tibet.” Esteemed experts like Professor HonShiang Lau and Dr. Michael van Walt van Praag dismantled China’s historical claims over Tibet, revealing how Beijing manipulates international trade and politics to validate its occupation.
Such engagements have resonated deeply in the Baltic states, where historical struggles for sovereignty make the Tibetan cause particularly relatable. Estonia’s JukuKalle Raid, chair of the Tibet Support Group, has been a vocal ally, regularly engaging with Dharamsala and highlighting Tibet’s plight in the Estonian Parliament.
China’s Counteroffensive
Reacting to this growing European solidarity with Tibet, Beijing dispatched a team of “Tibetologists” to Latvia and Estonia in November 2024. These statebacked scholars, organized by the Chinese State Council Information Office (SCIO), presented glowing narratives of Tibet’s development under Chinese rule. Their messaging focused on education, healthcare, and environmental protection- carefully curated topics designed to deflect attention from Tibet’s political and human rights issues.
Beijing’s propaganda push extended beyond the Baltic states. Similar delegations visited France and Norway in September, just months after Sikyong Penpa Tsering’s historic meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The timing of these visits underscores China’s strategic effort to counter Tibet’s growing diplomatic momentum.
The Machinery of Propaganda
China’s State Council Information Office is a key player in shaping international opinion. Often described as Beijing’s “Office of Foreign Propaganda,” the SCIO has long been engaged in promoting the Chinese government’s narrative on Tibet. Since 2007, it has orchestrated forums on Tibet in European capitals like Vienna, Rome, and Athens. These forums, now cohosted by the Tibetan Autonomous Region, are part of Beijing’s systematic effort to sanitize its image.
More recently, China launched the “Tibet International Communication Center” in Lhasa on September 2, 2024, coinciding with Tibetan Democracy Day. This new propaganda hub seeks to “optimize” China’s external propaganda mechanisms under Xi Jinping’s directive to “tell China’s story” more effectively.
Why Europe Matters
Europe has emerged as a critical battleground in the TibetChina narrative war. The region’s historical experiences with authoritarianism make it fertile ground for Tibetan outreach. Moreover, the Baltic states’ principled stance against occupation resonates with Tibet’s struggle for selfdetermination.
Beijing’s heightened propaganda activities reveal a sense of vulnerability. Despite its economic might and geopolitical clout, China is acutely aware of the power of truth in shaping public opinion. Tibetan leaders, armed with historical evidence and moral conviction, are making strides in exposing the reality of Tibet’s situation to the world.
A Moral Imperative
As Beijing escalates its propaganda campaign, the international community faces a moral choice: to accept China’s distorted narrative or to stand in solidarity with Tibet’s pursuit of justice and freedom. The enduring support for Tibet in Europe is a testament to the power of truth and the resilience of a people who refuse to be erased.
The battle for Tibet’s narrative is far from over. With Tibetan leaders and their allies continuing to speak out, and with Beijing doubling down on its propaganda machinery, this clash of perspectives will shape how the world perceives Tibet for years to come.
In this war of words, the stakes are high-not just for Tibet but for the principles of truth, justice, and selfdetermination in the global arena.