BRUSSELS: Europe has launched one of its strongest diplomatic challenges yet to China's Tibet policy, with the European Parliament sharply criticizing Beijing's newly enacted Ethnic Unity and Progress Law and urging the Chinese government to respect the cultural, linguistic and religious rights of Tibetans and other ethnic minorities.
The legislation, which came into effect on July 1, has become the latest flashpoint in increasingly strained Europe-China relations. European lawmakers argue that the law promotes the assimilation of minority communities into the dominant Han Chinese culture while weakening their traditional identities.
During a debate in the European Parliament, members from across the political spectrum warned that the legislation threatens Tibet's unique heritage and infringes upon internationally recognized human rights. Several lawmakers called for the law to be withdrawn, describing it as incompatible with the principles of religious freedom and cultural autonomy.
A major focus of the debate was the future succession of the Dalai Lama. European parliamentarians insisted that the selection of the next Tibetan spiritual leader is solely a religious matter and must remain free from government interference. They warned Beijing against attempting to influence or control the centuries-old religious process, saying any such move would further damage China's international standing.
The European Commission also joined the criticism. Commissioner Hadja Lahbib expressed concern over the human rights situation in Tibet and reiterated the European Union's commitment to protecting religious freedom and minority rights. She called on Chinese authorities to provide transparency regarding the whereabouts of the 11th Panchen Lama, one of Tibetan Buddhism's most important religious figures, who has remained out of public view for decades.
The demand—"Where is the Panchen Lama?"—echoed throughout the parliamentary discussions and has once again brought international attention to one of Tibet's longest-running human rights concerns.
Opposition to Beijing's Tibet policy is also expanding beyond Brussels. National legislatures in the Netherlands, France and Belgium have debated the issue in recent weeks, urging the European Union to appoint a Special Representative for Tibet and strengthen diplomatic engagement with China on religious freedom and minority rights.
The issue has additionally been raised at the United Nations Human Rights Council, where European representatives questioned the broader implications of China's minority policies and called for closer international monitoring.
Beijing has consistently defended its ethnic policies, maintaining that they promote national unity, economic development and social stability. Chinese officials reject accusations of cultural suppression, arguing that Tibet has experienced significant modernization under central government administration.
However, European lawmakers contend that modernization cannot come at the expense of religious freedom, indigenous languages and centuries-old cultural traditions. Analysts say the dispute reflects broader tensions between Europe and China over human rights, strategic competition and the future of international norms.
With Europe taking an increasingly coordinated position, Tibet has once again emerged as a significant diplomatic issue in global politics, adding another layer of complexity to already fragile EU-China relations.
