Tibetan cultural institute accuses China of erasing Tibetan identity during Prague programme

The Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), a major cultural institution under the Central Tibetan Administration, has accused China of attempting to erase and distort Tibetan identity during a landmark cultural programme held in Prague after nearly two decades.

The event, organised at the Senate Garden in Prague, brought Tibetan opera, music and traditional dance performances to a European audience while drawing attention to concerns surrounding Beijing’s policies in Tibet related to religion, language and cultural freedom.

According to TIPA, the programme was jointly organised by Czech Senate Vice-President Jitka Seitlova, the Tibet Bureau Geneva and the Sinopsis Foundation.

Representatives of the institute said the event was not merely a cultural performance but also a peaceful expression of resistance against what they described as increasing restrictions imposed by China on Tibetan cultural and spiritual life.

Through performances of classical Tibetan opera, known as Ache Lhamo, along with traditional folk dances and music, artists sought to highlight Tibet’s distinct civilisational identity and long-standing spiritual and artistic traditions.

TIPA stated that the programme challenged narratives portraying Tibetan culture as simply an extension of Chinese civilisation, instead presenting Tibet as an independent cultural entity with a unique heritage spanning centuries.

Thinlay Chukki said the event symbolised solidarity and truth at a time when Tibetan identity continues to face pressure under Chinese governance.

The programme took place shortly after the Czech Senate passed a resolution supporting the right of Dalai Lama to independently determine his succession, rejecting interference from the Chinese government in Tibetan religious matters.

The Czech Republic has historically been among Europe’s vocal supporters of the Tibetan movement. TIPA referred to the longstanding friendship between former Czech President Vaclav Havel and the Dalai Lama as a reflection of shared commitments to democracy, compassion and human rights.

The institute also noted that former Czech President Petr Pavel met the Dalai Lama and the Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration in Ladakh last year, describing it as a significant diplomatic gesture toward the Tibetan cause.

More than 300 people, including senators, students, NGO representatives, members of the Tibetan diaspora and Czech citizens, attended the Prague event. Organisers said many participants expressed support for Tibet’s non-violent movement and concern regarding China’s policies in the region.