Tibet Brief October 2020 a Report of the International Campaign for Tibet

TIBET BRIEF OCTOBER 2020 A REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET

NEW REPORT REVEALS COERCIVE LABOR PROGRAM IN TIBET

IN THIS ISSUE

1 New report reveals coercive labor program in Tibet 2 Tibet raised at EU-China leaders’ virtual meeting 3 China elected to UN Human Rights Council but suffers another setback as criticism grows 4 ICT joins Global Day of Action against human Military-style training of “rural surplus laborers” in the Chamdo region of Tibet in 2016. (Photo: Tibet’s Chamdo, 30 June 2016). rights violations in China 5 Seventh Tibet Work Forum MIRRORING A PROGRAM OF FORCED LABOR IN XINJIANG, BEIJING IS promises more repression PUSHING GROWING NUMBERS OF TIBETANS INTO MILITARY-STYLE "TRAINING CENTERS", WHERE THEY ARE BEING TURNED INTO LOW- 6 Arrest of New York police PAID FACTORY WORKERS, A NEW REPORT HAS FOUND. officer accused of spying The report, released on 22 September of the TAR last year, includes a number for China reveals China’s by the Jamestown Foundation and of racist assumptions about Tibetans’ efforts against Tibetans corroborated by Reuters, documents “backwardness” and the need to reform their abroad a large-scale program in the Tibet thinking and cultural identity while making Autonomous Region (TAR) that pushed them loyal to the Chinese Communist 7 New ICT report exposes more than half a million rural Tibetans off Party. It also seeks to reduce the influence fraudulent “anti-gang” trial their land and into military-style training of Tibetans’ Buddhist religion, and to force of “Sangchu 10” Tibetans centers in the first seven months of this Tibetans to abandon their traditional way of Political Prisoner Focus year alone. After their coerced training, life under the pretext of poverty alleviation. 8 many of the Tibetans were sent to other Reading Suggestion areas of Tibet and China and pushed into Although there is currently no evidence that 9 low-wage factory and construction work. the TAR’s scheme is linked to extrajudicial 10 Tibet Talks Europe internment like in Xinjiang, where over a The policy, first introduced in the Chamdo million Uyghurs are being detained in labor 11 Upcoming Events region in 2013 and extended to the rest > CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

ICT EUROPE ICT BRUSSELS ICT GERMANY ICT Funenpark 1D 15, rue de la linière Schonhauser Allee 163 1825 Jefferson Place, NW 1018 AK Amsterdam, 1060 Brussels 10435 Berlin Washington, DC 20036 The Netherlands Belgium Germany United States of America Phone: +31 (0)20 3308265 Phone: +32 (0)2 609 44 10 Tel.: +49 (0)30 27879086 Phone: +(1) 202-785-1515 Fax: +31 (0)20 3308266 Fax: +32 (0)2 609 44 32 Fax: +49 (0)30 27879087 Fax: (202) 785-434 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

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> CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 camps, the program presents clear elements rights, including freedom of movement Chinese Communist Party, calling upon of coercion during recruitment, training and and the right to one’s own livelihood. their governments “to take immediate job matching. It constitutes a dramatic action to condemn these atrocities and example of widespread human rights Following the report’s publication, more to prevent further human rights abuses.” violations that affects a large part of the than 60 parliamentarians from 16 countries Tibetan population and their fundamentals demanded urgent action against the

TIBET RAISED AT EU-CHINA LEADERS’ VIRTUAL MEETING A VIRTUAL MEETING OF EUROPEAN UNION AND CHINESE LEADERS ON 14 SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTED THE EU’S INCREASINGLY ASSERTIVE POSITION CONCERNING CHINA AND INCLUDED DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY.

The meeting took place amidst Europe’s growing wariness about China (which it considers both as a strategic partner and rival), and demonstrated a more robust and assertive attitude of the EU in this regard. “Europe needs to be a player, not a playing field. Today's meeting represents another step forward in forging a more balanced relationship with China”, remarked President Michel afterwards.

In a reportedly “tense” exchange, EU leaders also raised their concerns about China’s human rights record, including the national security law for Hong Kong and the treatment of minorities, particularly in Xinjiang and Tibet. They also asked for Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China; Charles Michel, President of the European independent access to Xinjiang and hoped Council; Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany; and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the for a field visit to Tibet in the framework of European Commission, at the EU-China leaders' meeting via video conference, on 14 September. (Photo: European Union) the next EU-China human rights dialogue.

According to Noah Barkin, an EU-China The meeting, which replaced a major Leyen, and, for the Council presidency, specialist at Rhodium Group (a policy summit of the bloc’s 27 leaders with their German Chancellor Angela Merkel, also research firm)“the focus on Hong Kong Chinese counterpart in Leipzig postponed participated. Four main issues were on and Xinjiang shows that values are playing due to the Covid pandemic, was chaired the agenda: climate change, economic an ever greater role in the relationship.” “In by European Council President Charles and trade issues, international affairs and the past, human rights issues like these Michel on the EU side and President Xi human rights, as well as COVID-19 and were discussed behind closed doors. Jinping on the Chinese side. European economic recovery. Europe’s line on China is hardening.” Commission President Ursula von der

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CHINA ELECTED TO UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL BUT SUFFERS ANOTHER SETBACK AS CRITICISM GROWS DESPITE ITS APPALLING HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD, CHINA WAS RE-ELECTED TO THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ON 13 OCTOBER, BUT SUFFERED A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN VOTES.

There were 139 votes in favor of China’s monitoring mechanism and a special session a resolution on the right to development candidacy, compared to the 180 votes of the Human Rights Council to investigate that it had introduced jointly with Pakistan, secured in 2016. The result - about a 25% human rights violations in Xinjiang, Tibet and and which observers feared would redefine drop - showed that an increasing number of Hong Kong. international human rights standards and countries strongly disapprove of the CCP’s undermine the universality and indivisibility systematic and grave rights violations in During the 45th session of the Human Rights of human rights. Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Council in Geneva, an important number of states highlighted China's mass human rights Meanwhile, at the 75th General Assembly The disappointing outcome follows a number violations in their statements under item 4. in New York, 39 states signed a statement of recent setbacks for China at the United Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany and on the human rights situation in China, Nations. In June, more than 50 UN experts the EU specifically raised concerns about referring to the situations in Xinjiang, Tibet and expert bodies called for an independent the situation in Tibet. China also withdrew and Hong Kong.

ICT JOINS GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN CHINA ON THE 71ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON 1 OCTOBER, THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET JOINED A SERIES OF WORLDWIDE PROTESTS TO DENOUNCE MASSIVE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN CHINA AS PART OF THE “GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION.”

dissidents joining hands - either through physical demonstrations or via online action - on China’s National Day to honor victims of Chinese Communist Party repression. The day also saw a strident call for China to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of all peoples.

ICT organized or joined protests in Washington D.C., Berlin and Amsterdam, as well as in the European Union headquarters district in Brussels, where EU leaders were discussing foreign affairs issues, including their relationship with China during a special European Council meeting.

In Brussels, the World Uyghur Congress, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization, the Belgian Uyghur Association, Lungta – Actief voor Tibet, the Tibetan Community and ICT held a It was the first time that so many organizations protest in the EU headquarters district. About 150 people, as well as representatives of Hong Kong representing various ethnic groups and and Taiwan, joined them. (Photo: ICT) peoples in China demonstrated together, indicating their increasing solidarity in the The Global Day of Action was a joint Uyghurs, Tibetans, Southern Mongolians, face of the Chinese government’s abuses initiative of organizations representing Hong Kongers, Taiwanese and Chinese of the rights and freedoms of their peoples.

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SEVENTH TIBET WORK FORUM PROMISES MORE REPRESSION

THE SEVENTH TIBET WORK FORUM HELD IN BEIJING ON 28 AND 29 AUGUST, AND PRESIDED OVER BY XI JINPING, INDICATED THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP’S DECISION TO CONTINUE ITS POLICY OF ABSOLUTE CONTROL AND ASSIMILATION IN TIBET.

security” and “ethnic solidarity.”

Even as Xi claimed success in China’s Tibet policy, particularly since the 18th CCP Congress in 2012 where Xi took over as China’s leader, his statement to party officials that the focus of their work in Tibet must be “on maintaining the unity of the motherland and strengthening national unity” suggests that there is a growing realization that the CCP has failed to win over the Tibetan people.

Following the forum, two senior Chinese officials, Wang Yang, chairman of the Chinese Delegates attending the seventh Tibet Work Forum in Beijing. (Photo: Chinese state media) People’s Political Consultative Conference, and You Quan, minister of the Central United Chinese state media reported that Xi laid of Chinese Communist Party organizations Front Work Department, visited Qinghai and out a “strategy of governing Tibet in the and members at all levels “to deal with major Sichuan as part of a propaganda campaign new era” that includes “Sinicization” of struggles and prevent major risks.” There was focusing specifically on implementing the Tibetan Buddhism and improving the ability considerable emphasis on ensuring “national goal of the forum.

ARREST OF NEW YORK POLICE OFFICER ACCUSED OF SPYING FOR CHINA REVEALS CHINA’S EFFORTS AGAINST TIBETANS ABROAD

THE ARREST, AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER, OF A NEW YORK CITY POLICE OFFICER ACCUSED OF SPYING FOR CHINA IS THE LATEST EVIDENCE OF CHINA’S INCREASING PRESSURE ON TIBETAN EXILES.

In a press release on 21 September, the US area and attempted to cultivate additional which a Tibetan man, Dorjee Gyantsan, Department of Justice announced charges spies within it. was paid to provide personal information against Officer Baimadajie Angwang, an about fellow Tibetans. Gyantsan was found American citizen reported to be of Tibetan This is one of the latest examples of a clear guilty by a Swedish court and sentenced origin, for acting as an illegal agent of the pattern of Chinese efforts at infiltrating to 22 months in prison. Recently, Sweden People’s Republic of China. Angwang, who Tibetan communities around the world in decided to deport him back to China. In is also a US Army reservist, is accused of order to monitor their activities, intimidate recent years, Chinese authorities have also reporting to a Chinese government handler them and stifle critical discussion of its been found using similar tactics against in the Chinese consulate in New York as repressive policies in Tibet. The trend Uyghurs. he surveilled the Tibetan community in the includes an incident in 2018 in Sweden in

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NEW ICT REPORT EXPOSES FRAUDULENT “ANTI-GANG” TRIAL OF “SANGCHU 10” TIBETANS 10 TIBETANS HAVE RECEIVED HARSH PRISON SENTENCES IN A TRIAL THAT REVEALS HOW CHINA USES “ANTI-GANG” MEASURES TO SILENCE TIBETANS AND DENY THEM FAIR HEARINGS, THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR TIBET FOUND IN A NEW REPORT.

They were unjustly charged under the “Saohei Chu-e” (an abbreviation for “The Sweep Away Gangs, Root Out Evil Special Struggle) campaign. At the end of the trial, the judge gave the 10 Tibetans prison sentences between nine and 14 years for “extortion” and “forced trading.”

This legal and political campaign, launched in 2018 to eliminate “gangs” and “organized crime” in China, is used in Tibetan areas to silence critics and challenges to the state, as the Saohei Chu-e campaign is enforced in essence to ensure Party power at the Line-up of the 10 Sangchu defendants in hazmat suits. (Photo: Chinese state media) grassroots level. Although it is impossible to know exactly how many Tibetans have faced The report, which analyses the video recording community leaders - were only requesting prosecution under the anti-gang campaign (due of the trial of 10 individuals in the Sangchu compensation for property damage from to the Chinese authorities' lack of transparency (Chinese: Xiahe) County People’s Court in state highway projects; raising concerns as well as their refusal to allow independent Gansu province’s Kanlho (Gannan) Tibetan about a slaughterhouse in their hometown, journalists and investigators into Tibet), it is Autonomous Prefecture at the end of June, and fundraising and procuring a piece of estimated that several hundred Tibetans have shows that the defendants - all respected abandoned land for the monastery’s use. been imprisoned under the initiative.

POLITICAL PRISONER FOCUS DOLKAR A TIBETAN WOMAN NAMED DOLKAR, WHO SERVED OVER A YEAR IN PRISON FOR SHARING NEWS ABOUT HER NEPHEW’S ARREST, HAD BADLY DAMAGED LIMBS AND EXTENSIVE BRUISING WHEN CHINESE AUTHORITIES RELEASED HER IN AUGUST.

The International Campaign for Tibet reported last prison in poor health, with bruises all over her body year on the sentencing of Dolkar and the arrest of and her limbs in a terrible condition due to carrying her nephew Wangchen for praying for the Panchen and moving rocks during prison labor. Upon her Lama and calling for the reunion of the Dalai Lama release, she was taken to a local clinic to extract and Panchen Lama in Tibet. pus and other fluids from her limbs.

In mid-August, after completing her 15-month sentence, Radio Free Asia and Voice of America reported that Dolkar was released from Ra-nga Khar (Xinduqiao) Chinese prison authorities warned Dolkar not to engage prison in Minyak (Chinese: Minya) near Dartsedo with the public on social media or over the phone. The Dolkar after her release on (Kangding) in Kardze (Ganzi) Tibetan Autonomous authorities also told her not to upload any images on 15 August. (Photo:Tibet Times) Prefecture in Sichuan Province. According to Dhondup, her social media profile except photos of herself. Her her brother who lives in exile, she was released from current stay at home is being viewed as a house arrest.

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NINE TIBETANS SENTENCED FOR SEPARATISM BY READING KARDZE COURT

THE SAN FRANCISCO-BASED PRISONERS RIGHT ADVOCACY SUGGESTION GROUP DUIHUA HAS REPORTED THAT NINE TIBETANS HAVE BEEN EAT THE BUDDHA: LIFE AND CONVICTED OF “INCITING SPLITTISM” BY THE KARDZE (CHINESE: GANZI) TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS PREFECTURE INTERMEDIATE DEATH IN A TIBETAN TOWN, PEOPLE’S COURT IN SICHUAN SINCE THE END OF JUNE THIS YEAR. BY BARBARA DEMICK

According to Duihua, the nine Tibetans Duihua said scant other details about the were Choethar, who was sentenced on individuals were known - including their 31 August; Dolma Tsering, Drakpa and ages, genders, the times and reasons for Tsering Yeshi, who were sentenced on their arrests and trials, and the length of 28 August; Penpa, Namkha Gyaltsen their sentences. “Splittism” is a term used by and Pema Tsethar who were sentenced the Chinese government to punish activities on 7 August; Bhutruk, sentenced on 2 connected to the Tibetan independence July; and Bhudhar (Buda), who was movement or challenging the Chinese sentenced on 30 June. government’s repressive policies in Tibet.

TIBET In ‘Eat the Buddha’, award-winning journalist Barbara Demick paints a gripping portrait of TALKS modern Tibet through the lives of a group of Tibetans with roots in Ngaba, one of the EUROPE first places where Tibetans and Chinese Communists encountered one another and has since become the undisputed world capital of self-immolations. Demick’s subjects - among them a princess whose ‘IMPLICATIONS OF MINISTER WANG ‘CONVERSATION WITH FRENCH family is wiped out during the Cultural YI’S VISIT TO EUROPE AND OF EU- TIBETOLOGIST KATIA BUFFETRILLE’ Revolution, and a young Tibetan nomad CHINA’S SUMMIT FOR TIBET’ In the first French edition of Tibet Talks who becomes radicalized in the storied What do Minister Wang Yi’s recent Europe, ICT’s EU Policy Director Vincent monastery of Kirti - all face the same European tour and the EU-China leaders’ Metten interviewed French ethnologist dilemma: Do they resist the Chinese, or do virtual summit mean for EU-China and Tibetologist Katia Buffetrille about they join them? Do they adhere to Buddhist relations, and for effective diplomacy on her recent book ‘L’Âge d’or du Tibet’ teachings of compassion and nonviolence, Tibet? This episode of Tibet Talks Europe (‘The Golden Age of Tibet’) and the or do they fight? Illuminating a culture that explored these questions with Members current worrying situation in Tibet in has long been romanticized by Westerners, of Parliament André Gattolin (France), light of China’s increasing oppression Demick reveals what it is really like to be a Martijn van Helvert (The Netherlands), and assimilationist policies. Tibetan in the twenty-first century, trying to Petter Eide (Norway) and Isabel Santos preserve one’s culture, faith, and language (European Parliament) as well as ICT’s EU Click here to watch Tibet Talks Europe against the depredations of a seemingly Policy Director Vincent Metten. #8 - Conversation with French Tibetologist unstoppable, technologically all-seeing Katia Buffetrille (in French) superpower. Her depiction is nuanced, Click here to watch Tibet Talks Europe #7 unvarnished, and at times shocking. - Implications of Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Europe and of EU-China summit for Tibet Click here to buy this book.

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UPCOMING EVENTS • 19-20 NOVEMBER: UN Forum on Minority Issues on “Hate Speech, Social Media and Minorities” in Geneva • END OF 2020: 38th EU-China Human Rights Dialogue (tbc)