Tibetan govt-in-exile hopes for US President Trump's support

Congratulating Donald Trump after he was sworn in as the new US President, the Tibetan government-in-exile here has expressed hope that the American leader would nudge China to restart the Sino-Tibetan dialogue process to resolve the issue of Tibet.
Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan government-in -exile, on behalf of Tibetans around the world congratulated Trump in a letter while reminding him of efforts of his predecessors to restart the Sino-Tibetan dialogue.
"Following China's invasion of Tibet, the people and the government of the US have been strong supporter of the non-violent struggle of Tibet," the speaker said.
"The landmark Tibetan Policy Act, 2002 was passed in the US Congress to support the aspirations of the Tibetan people to safeguard our distinct identity.

"The situation inside Tibet under the Chinese government's intensive political repression continues to remain grim and alarming despite China's lofty claims of having liberated and developed Tibet for the past 66 years," he said.
"Since 2009 over 145 Tibetans in Tibet have resorted to self-immolation in protest against China's rule in Tibet, calling for freedom in Tibet and the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Tibet," he added.

"Successive Presidents of the United States have met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and encouraged the Chinese government to resume the Sino-Tibetan dialogue. We are confident that under your presidency as well, the United States will continue this longstanding tradition and will re-energise the international effort to resolve the issue of Tibet amicably with China based on the Middle Way Approach," he said.

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959 after the Chinese invasion of Tibet.
The Tibetan government-in-exile has been based in this northern hill town since then.