Penpa Tsering vows unity, stronger global push on Tibet issue
President (Sikyong) Penpa Tsering of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile has thanked the Tibetan public after winning a decisive mandate in the preliminary round of the presidential election, securing over 61 per cent of the votes. In a video message released on the YouTube channel of the Central Tibetan Administration, he described the result as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in him by the Tibetan people and said the mandate carried a profound sense of responsibility.
Calling unity the cornerstone of his leadership, Penpa Tsering stressed that cohesion must be demonstrated through concrete action rather than rhetoric. He reiterated three key commitments from his campaign: ensuring equality and fairness for all Tibetans irrespective of regional or sectarian differences; delivering practical, transparent and accountable governance; and implementing structured short-, medium- and long-term strategic planning to strengthen the Tibetan movement.
He reaffirmed adherence to the middle way approach, maintaining that the administration remains committed to seeking a just and peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China issue. At the same time, he said efforts would continue to refine strategies aimed at broadening international support while reinforcing internal solidarity. Leadership, he asserted, should be evaluated on performance rather than promises, noting that he had deliberately avoided confrontational campaigning.
Describing recent developments in the United States as historic, Penpa Tsering referred to legislation passed by the US Congress in 2025 concerning the Tibet-China conflict and signed into law by the US President. He also highlighted explanatory notes accompanying the 2026 US federal budget, which he said marked a modest but meaningful acknowledgment of the Central Tibetan Administration as the Tibetan Government-in-Exile.
Addressing concerns about the suspension of US foreign help, he clarified that Tibetans were not singled out. Despite restructuring and staffing cuts within American aid agencies, advocacy efforts ensured that more than half of previously approved funding was retained. Over $23 million has been earmarked for Tibetans inside Tibet and in exile in the upcoming fiscal year.
