Paris, France: The recent unprecedented arrest of over 100 Tibetans in Tibet’s Dza Wonpo for possessing photos of His Holiness the Dalai Lama was highlighted by Representative Tashi Phuntsok during a high profile round table meeting on the concluding day of the 20th Himalayan Festival in Paris on Sunday, 5 September.

Among the distinguished guests that attended were Senator Andre Gattolin of Paris, Taiwanese Ambassador Francois Chichung Wu and his staff, Journalist Asialyst Mr Pierre-Antoine Donnet, and Ecologist Ms Helina Seron.

In his keynote address, Representative Tashi Phuntsok drew attention to the current status of Tibetans inside Tibet particularly referencing the recent arrest of over 100 Tibetans for possessing His Holiness’s photo in Dza Wonpo. He also drew attention to the contradictory public celebration of the visit of Xi Jinping in Tibet and the banning of Shoton festival because of Covid. Most notably he singled out the death of Dhondup Dorjee to show the heinous ways China goes to humiliate and dehumanise Tibetan spirit.

Then he went on to recall the international support that Tibet received over the last 30 years. Taking France as example, he reminded the audience of Tibetan connection with madam Mitterand, Président Jacques Chirac, Mayor Beterand Delanoe,  100s of mayors who raise Tibetan flag, and several villes who have adopted Tibetan towns in Tibet. Like Mr Peirre Anotine Donnet, Mr Jean Paul Ribes, Ms Marcel Roux or Ms François Bozon, he named a few, who have been with Tibetans for so many years.

Finally he talked about the pushbacks against China from various governments today, particularly with the question of succession of the Dalai Lama. The United States, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany have openly stated that the reincarnation of His Holiness the  XIV Dalai Lama will be decided by the Tibetan Buddhist community and nobody else. He called for other countries to follow suit.

Ambassador Wu then presented Taiwan as a model of democracy. He also spoke about His Holiness’ visits to Taiwan and relations between Tibet and Taiwan. His focus was the integration of military power around the region. With upgrades in Japanese and Korean military hardwares, in addition to the US presence, China’s military posture in the sector is thwarted, he said.

Mr Pierre Antoine Donnet made a brief statement on the environment and Ms Seron gave legal views on ecocide. She also mentioned the Bhopal gas tragedy. Senator Gattolin gave an overview of Taiwanese case, the efforts that are being made in the French legislature. He expounded on that grave situation with Uyghur people. Of course the case of Tibet and its environment were fundamental, he said.

As a last word,  Representative Phuntsok said, as long as the Tibetan issue is not settled satisfactorily and the Tibetan spirit remains alive, China will always have a problem in its hands.

On the other side of the festival, the cultural items were being played out on the stage one after another. Crowds were milling around stands and stalls for a last minute purchase until the next Festival, next year.

Thanks to the hard work of Coordinator Namgyal Samdup of Bureau du Tibet and Jigme Dorjee and volunteers the Maison du Tibet has successfully organised the Festival yet again. A special mention may also be made of our Vietnamese friend and supporter Bruno, who has been helping us, voluntarily, for over two decades with transport and photography.