Retired Professor Challenges China’s Tibet Claim with Imperial Records

In a significant departure from China’s official stance asserting Tibet as an integral part of its territory since ancient times, a retired Chinese university professor presented compelling evidence from imperial records on January 25, debunking this claim. The revelation occurred during a hearing on the ‘Legal Status of Tibet’ convened in the Estonian Parliament.

Chaired by Juku-Kalle Raid, a member of the parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and Chair of the Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet, the hearing drew notable figures such as Sikyong (executive head) Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) based in Dharamshala, India, Tibet legal expert Dr. Michael van Walt van Praag, and Representative Sonam Frasi from the Office of Tibet, London.

Addressing an audience comprising parliamentarians, journalists, academics, and Tibet supporters, Hon. Shiang Lau, Emeritus Chair Professor of the City University of Hong Kong, presented compelling evidence from Chinese Imperial records indicating that neither the Ming nor Qing Dynasties documented Tibet as part of China. The Central Tibetan Administration highlighted this revelation on its Tibet.net website on January 26. Dr. Michael van Walt van Praag provided a legal perspective aligning with Hon-Shiang Lau’s testimony, emphasizing that China’s insistence on portraying Tibet as an internal issue aims to legitimize its occupation and denies Tibetans their right to self-determination, constituting a violation of international law.

Sikyong Penpa Tsering contextualized Tibet’s historical narrative, emphasizing the Middle-Way Approach and the necessity of correcting historical inaccuracies regarding Tibet’s independence before the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) invasion, as reported by Tibet.net. Mr. Sonam Frasi further elucidated on these subjects raised by Sikyong Penpa Tsering.

Former Prime Minister of independent Estonia, Mr. Mart Laar, expressed support for the hearing, with his message conveyed by the Chair and Tibet campaign supporter Roy Strider. Additionally, Sikyong Penpa Tsering engaged with President Lauri Hussar of the Riigikogu (Estonian parliament) and Chairman Marko Mihkelson of the Foreign Affairs Committee during a personal tour of the parliament facilitated by Juku-Kalle Raid.

The hearing underscored the growing international scrutiny surrounding Tibet’s legal status and the concerted efforts to challenge China’s narrative through historical evidence and legal arguments. As discussions continue, such initiatives play a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for Tibet’s rights within the international community.

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