Sikyong with Damon Wilson, President of the National Endowment of Democracy.

Washington DC: In the early hours of 26 April 2025 (IST), Sikyong Penpa Tsering of the Central Tibetan Administration departed on a month-long official visit to three nations: the United States, Canada, and Japan. This significant diplomatic engagement comes at a critical juncture for the Tibetan cause, amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and recent shifts in U.S. foreign assistance policies.

Upon his arrival in Washington, D.C. on the afternoon of 27 April 2025 (EDT), Sikyong was warmly received at the airport by Representative Namgyal Choedup and Chinese Liaison Officer Tsultrim Gyatso from the Office of Tibet, Washington, D.C., along with representatives of the Tibetan Association and members of the local Tibetan community.

Sikyong’s visit to the U.S. takes on heightened importance in light of the new U.S. administration assuming office and ongoing deliberations concerning the allocation of foreign aid. In this context, Sikyong seeks to underscore that U.S. support for the Tibetan people should not be viewed merely through the lens of humanitarian assistance. Rather, the Tibetan issue is inherently linked to Ameri...