European Parliament adopts resolution on Tibet

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on May 8 by a majority vote condemning China’s assimilation of Tibetans and interference in the selection of the Dalai Lama’s successor.

The resolution was adopted by 478 votes in favor, 30 against, and 41 abstentions. The resolution on Tibet condemned China’s continued assimilation policies and religious repression in Tibet, and called on the Chinese regime to immediately stop interfering in the selection of the Dalai Lama’s successor. The resolution also demanded that China release illegally detained individuals, including Uyghur intellectual Ilham Tohti.

The Dalai Lama reportedly insisted in a book published in March this year that his successor would be born in the free world. China, however, has claimed that it will approve the new Tibetan spiritual leader.

The European Parliament resolution accused China of establishing boarding schools in Tibet, forcibly repatriating and assimilating Tibetan children, and suppressing anti-Chinese figures abroad. The European Parliament resolution also called on the European Union to impose sanctions on Chinese officials and institutions involved in the suppression of Tibetans.

The Chinese delegation to Europe made a statement on May 9, saying that the European Parliament had spread false information on Tibet-related issues, tarnished China's image, and interfered in China's internal affairs, and that China firmly opposed this.