Researchers and experts in Tibetan studies from various countries will participate in the program to be held in the second week of Bhadra. While Beijing has expressed concern that supporters of the Dalai Lama could use the event, the organizers have claimed that it is a purely academic gathering.
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China has expressed interest in the upcoming international seminar on Tibetan studies to be held in Kathmandu in the second week of Bhadra. Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, has expressed interest in the 17th seminar of the 'International Association for Tibetan Studies' to be held in Kathmandu from Bhadra 7 to 13 (August 23 to 29).
According to a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Chang met with Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai on Tuesday to discuss the program.
During the meeting with the Foreign Secretary, the Chinese ambassador warned that the program could be used by supporters of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, according to the official. The foreign ministry official said that Ambassador Chang expressed concern that some individuals at the event might speak against China and in favor of Tibet, and requested authorities to prevent such occurrences.
According to the organizers, hundreds of researchers and experts in Tibetan studies from various countries are gathering for the event. According to the website of the International Association of Tibetan Studies, the conference is being jointly organized by the Himalayan Centre for Asian Studies at Kathmandu University and the Centre for Buddhist Studies, Rangjung Yeshe Institute, under Kathmandu University. The coordinators of the conference are Prof. Sagar Sharma and Prof. Thomas Doctor.
Some experts in Kathmandu who are sympathetic to Beijing’s perspective on Tibetan affairs have also expressed concern about the event, saying that the promotion of Tibetan language, culture, and history could ultimately be interpreted as support for the Dalai Lama’s views. “Recently, the government allowed Tibetan refugees to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s birthday, and now this event is taking place,” said an analyst closely observing Tibetan affairs in Nepal. “That is why the Chinese side has expressed dissatisfaction regarding the upcoming event.”
An official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that although the Chinese ambassador expressed concern about the event, no written note of dissatisfaction has been submitted. “No written dissatisfaction has been submitted, nor has there been a demand to cancel the event; only concerns have been expressed,” said the official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An official at the Chinese Embassy confirmed the meeting between Ambassador Chang and Foreign Secretary Rai, and suggested seeking further comment from the ministry on the matter.
To participate in the conference, the registration fee was set at 360 US dollars for early registrants and 440 US dollars for late registrants. Registration for the event closed on 1 Asar. According to the schedule, the opening ceremony will be held at Kathmandu University’s Dhulikhel campus, while the remaining events will take place at Hotel Soaltee.
The board of the International Association of Tibetan Studies includes representatives from Nepal, the Czech Republic, Bhutan, the United Kingdom, Japan, France, the Czech Republic, Austria, and China.
Prof. Sharma of Kathmandu University said that scholars and professors from world-renowned universities such as Oxford and Cambridge will participate in the conference. Experts from 39 countries specializing in Tibetan studies will take part in the event.
“This is not a pro-Dalai Lama event. A large number of Chinese professors and scholars are also participating. The Chinese Embassy is also aware of this. We have also informed various government agencies about it,” Sharma said.
