Dharamshala — Tibetans in Dharamshala commemorated the 112th anniversary of Tibetan Independence Day on Thursday. They declared: “We reject the use of the term ‘Xizang’ instead of Tibet in all international discourse. This is part of China's large Sinicization campaign, which aims to distort Tibet's historical and political reality. “Xizang” is not the legitimate name for Tibet; Tibet must be recognised by its legitimate name.
Students for a Free Tibet-India organised an event to commemorate the 112th Anniversary of the Declaration of Tibetan Independence Day at TSO hall, Tibetan settlement office, Mecleod Ganj, Dharamshala, HP, India, on February 13, 2025. Over 50 young Tibetans and activists joined in the commemoration of the 112th anniversary of the declaration of Tibetan Independence Day.
They also organised a panel discussion entitled “Tibet must Stand! Tibet in Global Discourse - Erasure and Resistance”, to discuss the Chinese government's term ‘Xizang’ on Tibet, which aims to eliminate Tibetan history and identity. Speakers included Dawa Tsering, Director of the Tibet Policy Institutes, CTA, MP Dorjee Tseten and Tenzin Passang, National Director of Students for a Free Tibet. The debate was moderated by Sonam Tsering, General Secretary of the Tibetan Youth Congress.
Director Dawa Tsering explained how and when the Chinese term “Xizang” was used instead of Tibet by the Chinese authorities. He pointed out that Chinese academics had published articles on Tibet and Xizang in Tibet Studies Magazine in October 2014, and said that all these articles attempted to distort Tibet's history and even its own history by rewriting or fabricating history.
Dorjee Tseten, member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, spoke about the history of renaming countries to show their sovereignty during the colonial period. They then revert to their original names once they have become independent. MP Tseten said, “The CCP limits "Tibet" to the so-called Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), excluding Kham and Amdo. The term "Xizang" Is unfamiliar to global audiences, serving China's agenda. "Tibet" evokes ties to His Holiness Dalai Lama and the freedom struggle which China don't want.”
Tenzin Pasang explained how campaigns, petitions and protests can have an impact on China's Sinicization campaign: “Xizang” on Tibet. She gave the example of the successful change of “Xizang” to Tibet in a French museum, the Musée du quai Branly. Sometimes, those who write “Xizang” instead of Tibet do not do it intentionally, but are unaware of the facts and of China's Sinicization campaign. So it's our responsibility to raise awareness of this issue and to protest against those who do it internationally.
Director Pasang said, “We should direct communicate with curators, do online campaigns, provide educational materials to all, in order to countering china's escalating cartographic aggression: by exposing false claims, counter-maps and digital tools, and mobilizing global awareness. We can prevent China from using maps as a weapon of territorial expansion. We should write letter or contact journalists directly, those who wrote “Xizang” of Tibet and providing them with accurate information about the term Tibet.”
“China's renaming efforts are not limited to Tibet but extend to disputed regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and the South China Sea, reflecting a broader strategy of territorial expansion. This should serve as a wake-up call for India and the global community, as Beijing’s colonial ambitions goes beyond any single region. By manipulating narratives and altering place names, China lays the groundwork for asserting control-demonstrating its mastery in using cartographic aggression as a tool of expansion. Controlling the narrative is often the first step toward controlling the territory, it’s imperative for all of us to counter these tactics proactively,” she concluded.
At the end of the conference, the panelists issued a joint declaration on Tibet and the Chinese term “Xizang”. They said, “Today, we stand united to address the growing efforts by the Chinese government to erase Tibet's distinct identity from the global discourse. These efforts—manifested through the misrepresentation of Tibet's geographical and political status, linguistic manipulation and cultural suppression-must be met with collective resistance. In this spirit, we call on the international community, governments, institutions, and individuals to take immediate action on the following points:
1. Reject the Use of "Xizang," "Western China," or "China's Tibet" We demand the immediate cessation of the use of terms like "Xizang," "Western China," or "China's Tibet" in all international discourse. These terms are part of China's larger sinicization campaign, aimed at distorting Tibet's historical and political reality. "Xizang" is not the legitimate name of Tibet; Tibet must be recognized by its rightful name. We call on governments, media, academic institutions, and global organizations to use the correct term, Tibet, in all discussions to preserve its unique identity and history.
2. Ensure Correct Representation of Tibet on Maps We demand that Tibet be accurately represented on maps as a distinct and independent region, not as part of the People's Republic of China. The forced depiction of Tibet as part of China on international maps is a distortion of reality and further entrenches the Chinese government's unlawful claims over Tibet. We call on all global institutions, governments, and organizations to show Tibet accurately, as it has always been—a distinct region with its own culture, history, and political status. This is not just about geography; it's about acknowledging Tibet's identity and giving it the recognition it deserves.
3. Stop the Sinicization of Tibetan Culture and Religion We urge the international community to condemn the Chinese government’s policies that forcefully assimilate Tibetans into the Han Chinese cultural and political system. These policies are a direct assault on Tibet's distinct cultural, religious, and social heritage. The Sinicization of Tibet involves the imposition of the Chinese language and education, forced religious conformity, the control of Tibetan Buddhist institutions, and the widespread destruction of Tibetan cultural landmarks. We call for immediate cessation of these policies and full respect for Tibet's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
4. Promote Global Awareness and Resistance to Sinicization Finally, we urge all individuals, organizations, and governments to stand in solidarity with Tibet and actively resist the sinicization of Tibet's culture, religion, and history. This requires speaking out against the use of Chinese-state narratives and promoting accurate, balanced representations of Tibet and its people. We call for sustained global awareness campaigns that expose the truth about Tibet and challenge China's ongoing efforts to erase Tibet's identity from the world stage.
