New Delhi — Tibetan activists from Students for a Free Tibet- India protested against Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India and strongly condemned the Chinese government's recent claim to exercise authority over the future reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. SFT activists also urged India to seek a permanent solution to the Indo-Tibetan border issue and address the root cause of the conflict-China's occupation of Tibet.
Students for a Free Tibet- India (SFT) strongly protested against Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India at 5:50 pm, on August 18, 2025, by unfurling a giant banner reading “Wang Yi: Free Tibet.” The banner was unfurled from the Dhaula Kaun pedestrian bridge as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi crossed the bridge for the latest round of diplomatic meetings with Indian Prime Minister Modi and other senior Indian officials.
"The Tibetan activists also waved Tibetan national flags in sight of the Chinese Foreign Minister;or with Banner, displaying the Tibetan flag is banned in Tibet by the Chinese government and is punishable by arrest, and even torture. The Tibetan activists, who released the banner, remained on the overpass as dozens of cars in Wang Yi's motorcade passed by," the SFT stated.
Tibetan activists from the SFT called on India to seek a permanent solution to the Indo-Tibetan border issue, move beyond short-term strategies, and address the root cause of the conflict, which is China's occupation of Tibet. A lasting and peaceful resolution requires recognition of Tibet's historical status and the voice of the Tibetan people.
Tenzin Passang of Students for a free Tibet-India said "The situation in Tibet is dire, and our action today has a clear and direct message: Wang Yi: FREE TIBET! Wang Yi's visit to India for border trade talks is an empty gesture especially while Tibet remains occupied. We have seen firsthand that China's promises cannot be trusted, from the betrayals of 1962 and the escalations at Doklam and Galwan, to the ongoing, insidious "five-finger strategy" aimed at absorbing regions along the Himalayas. Tibet's independence is not just a moral issue; it's India's best security."
The SFT stated that tthey are raising an urgent alarm against China's brutal occupation and systematic human rights abuses in Tibet. Right now, nearly one million Tibetan Children are being forcibly separated from their families and placed in colonial-style boarding schools designed to wipe out Tibetan language, culture and identity.
"We strongly condemn the Chinese government's recent claim of authority over the future reincarnation of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama." said Tenzin Choetso, SFT Delhi Board Member.
"As His Holiness has made unequivocally clear that the power to recognize his next incarnation rests solely with him and his office, and no external party-least of all an atheist government-should be involved. We call on India to not only condemn this move but to actively play a constructive role in protecting and honoring the reincarnation process of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in respect of the faith of millions of Himalayan Buddhists and the shared spiritual heritage preserved under India's care," she added.
Students for a Free Tibet- India stated,"It is imperative that India remains vigilant and proactive in defending its sovereignty and countering Chinese expansionism effectively. We call for a resolute, collective response from India, international human rights organizations, and governments worldwide. The time for passive observation is over; the future of regional stability and human rights hinges on a united, unwavering stand against China's aggressive agenda."
