Tibetans residing in Japan staged a demonstration outside the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo to oppose Beijing’s recent Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law. The protesters emphasized the need for unity to safeguard the Tibetan language and culture. Kalden Obara, a former representative of the Tibetan community in Japan, expressed concerns about the law potentially leading to restrictions on Tibetan cultural aspects and identity.
The new Chinese law, effective from July 1, imposes penalties for actions seen as threatening the unity of the Chinese nation and advocates for the widespread promotion of Standard Chinese (Mandarin). Critics fear that this legislation will escalate assimilation efforts in regions like the Tibet Autonomous Region. During the protest, prayers were offered in memory of Lobga Rangzen, a Tibetan activist who tragically passed away after self-immolating in the US to protest against the law.
Participants in the demonstration mourned Lobga Rangzen, who had sought refuge in the US two decades ago. Kalden Obara believed that Lobga’s self-immolation aimed to draw attention from the UN and global media to the Tibetan cause. Additionally, a peaceful march involving over 400 individuals took place in Switzerland, denouncing China’s ‘Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress.’
Representatives from various organizations voiced their concerns over the Chinese law, condemning it as a threat to the cultural, linguistic, and religious identities of Tibetans and other ethnic minorities. The event in Switzerland featured speeches urging the international community to reject the legislation and take concrete steps to safeguard the rights of affected communities in China.
