Tibetan Government-in-Exile and China Continue Back-Channel Talks Amid US Legislative Support

The Tibetan government-in-exile and China have resumed back-channel talks, with the latest round occurring earlier this month. This development comes just days after US President Joe Biden signed legislation pushing Beijing for a negotiated settlement on Tibet's autonomy demands.

"The last round of talks happened at the beginning of this month," Penpa Tsering, the Sikyong or political head of Tibet's government-in-exile, confirmed on Wednesday. While the Tibetan side has low expectations from the Chinese government under President Xi Jinping, they are committed to long-term dialogue.

Despite Beijing's rejection of such talks, Tsering stated that back-channel negotiations are ongoing, highlighting China's policy of not acknowledging them. The talks are an effort to re-engage over a decade after formal discussions stalled due to anti-China protests and Beijing's hardline stance.

(With inputs from agencies.)