Dutch Back Tibet, China Fumes — Time for the World to Wake Up

The Dutch Parliament has come forward in support of Tibet, prompting strong condemnation from China. Recently, the House of Representatives passed three significant motions related to Tibet. This move gains even more significance against the backdrop of China’s increasing repression in the region.

The first motion called on the Dutch government to advocate for the appointment of a special EU representative on Tibet and to push for a coordinated EU-Tibet strategy—similar to the American Resolve Tibet Act. It also urged the government to keep Parliament informed of developments on this front. This initiative was introduced by Jan Paternotte and Derk Boswijk.

A second motion, introduced by Isa Kahraman, Chris Stoffer, Don Ceder, Alexander Oostenbrink, alongside Paternotte and Boswijk, called on the government to consistently raise human rights violations in Tibet during all international and bilateral engagements with China, and to clearly convey the Netherlands’ disapproval of such actions.

The third motion, moved by Kahraman, Paternotte, and Boswijk, addressed the sensitive issue of the Dalai Lama’s succession. It declared that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) should have no role in the process and urged the Dutch government to advocate this position in both bilateral and multilateral forums. Apart from the United States, no other country had previously taken an official stance on the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. This strengthens international support for Tibetan religious freedom against Beijing’s interference.

In his recent book ‘Voice for the Voiceless’, the 14th Dalai Lama reaffirmed that his reincarnation would be born in a free country, making it clear that he will not be reborn in China. He has also committed leaving written instructions regarding his reincarnation. Despite China’s claims, the Dalai Lama’s own statement will ultimately guide the future of Tibetan spiritual leadership.

It is worth noting that the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020, passed by the U.S. Congress, explicitly states that the wishes of the 14th Dalai Lama must play a central role in the selection, education, and veneration of the 15th Dalai Lama. This directly challenges China’s claim of authority over the succession.

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has been actively lobbying governments worldwide to counter China’s attempts to impose its choice for the next Dalai Lama. Their efforts in the Netherlands contributed significantly to the recent parliamentary resolutions rejecting China’s interference.

China has condemned the Dutch Parliament’s actions. The Chinese Embassy described the motions as “a serious violation of the long-standing position and commitments of the Dutch side and the fundamental norms of international relations.”

Regarding the Dalai Lama, a Chinese spokesperson labeled him “a political exile engaged in separatist activities under the guise of religion,” asserting that the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders must follow Chinese laws and regulations, including lot-drawing from a golden urn and final approval by the central government.

China has long sought to undermine the institution of the Dalai Lama. In his book, the Dalai Lama recalls that when Mao Zedong was informed of his escape, Mao reportedly said, “We have lost!”— highlighting the Dalai Lama’s symbolic importance.

Beijing believes that controlling the next Dalai Lama would help win over Tibetans. However, the failure of their installation of the state-appointed Panchen Lama serves as a cautionary tale. In 1995, Chinese authorities kidnapped the child recognized by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama and instead appointed Gyaltsen Norbu. Today, Chinese authorities reportedly offer 100 yuan to Tibetans who accept his blessings—an indication of the public’s lack of spiritual reverence for the state-backed figure. A similar fate seems inevitable for any future “15th Dalai Lama” appointed by China.

Last month, the fifth edition of the “Europe Stands with Tibet” rally was held in The Hague. Over 3,000 Tibetans and supporters from across Europe gathered to commemorate the 66th Tibetan National Uprising Day. The demonstration was organized by the Tibetan Community of the Netherlands, with support from other European Tibetan communities and advocacy groups.

Addressing the rally, former Tibetan envoy Kelsang Gyaltsen stated that China is a threat to peace and security in Europe. He emphasized that there is no hope of China becoming a responsible stakeholder without fundamental changes.

He argued that the Tibetan freedom movement is a natural ally for the European Union and democratic governments worldwide. Recognizing Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kong activists, and Chinese democracy advocates as partners in a shared cause, rather than merely as victims, could lay the foundation for strategic cooperation on China.

Beyond Tibet, China’s human rights violations in Xinjiang against the Uyghur minority have drawn similar international concern.

Meanwhile, reports continue to emerge of major international hotel chains operating in Xinjiang, despite allegations of forced labour and human rights abuses. Advocacy groups such as the Uyghur Human Rights Project have called for greater corporate accountability.

In a positive development, German chemicals giant BASF recently exited two joint ventures in Xinjiang after its local partner was implicated in rights violations. The decision has been widely welcomed and sets an important precedent for international businesses.

Rights groups have long accused Beijing of detaining over a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in internment camps, allegations that China denies, claiming its actions aim to combat extremism.

Given the current circumstances, it is imperative for the international community to stand firmly in support of the Tibetans and Uyghurs resisting Chinese repression.

The Dalai Lama’s reincarnation process must remain a purely Tibetan spiritual matter, free from political manipulation.

Only through united diplomatic pressure can governments defend human rights, uphold religious freedom, and counter China’s authoritarian influence.