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In this day and age, as the world is becoming increasingly connected due to the Internet and globalization, it is economic might that now determines the politics of nations, and no longer military might as it used to be. Today’s world order sees China fast overtaking America to become the world’s leading economic power and they are not afraid to flex this muscle.

Botswana is a landlocked nation in Africa, just north of South Africa. Click to enlarge.

These days, there is not a single country that does not depend heavily on trade with China. Inevitably, thanks to their economic prowess, China is able to exert their influence over many countries, especially the smaller and poorer African states that depend heavily on foreign aid and investment. Since trade is key to their survival and prosperity of their citizens, many of these countries will do whatever is in their power to maintain bilateral relations with China.

The truth however, is that China has never really shown any interest in the internal affairs of any country. When China does take a keen interest, it is in countries who have received a state visit from His Holiness the Dalai Lama or any Tibetan leaders like Lobsang Sangay. China sees it from the perspective of national security because the Dalai Lama has in the past advocated independence of Tibet, which is part of China today.

Such independence would be tantamount to the separation of the Chinese state, which the central government has been fiercely protecting. For any nation to meet with the Dalai Lama, it would therefore be viewed as supporting instability within the Chinese nation. What nation would not be wary of this, and do their best to ensure all the factors remain in place for stability for their people? Hence, in this way, any meeting with the Tibetan leadership has the potential to jeopardize trade relations with China who, like any responsible government, will use their strengths to their advantage.

The San hunter-gatherers, a tribe of bushmen who live in an area spanning South Africa to Botswana.

In today’s world, it is not the form of government (like socialism, monarchy or democracy) that is important anymore, but it is more important to see if it works or not. China, for example, may adhere to a Marxist system that has been labelled as Communism, but for the Chinese nation it appears that this form of governance is turning out better than many so-called democracies. China is showing that not everything from the West is applicable to every nation on this planet. So people can criticize and knock China’s form of Communist government as much as they want, but it sure has worked in making them into a superpower.

It is this superpower status that every nation in the world wants to link up to and benefit from. This was made clear about Botswana in the article Dalai Lama Protégé Chickens Out of Botswana Event. It notes that “some top government officials (of Botswana) are said to be on the side of the Chinese government as they feel Botswana benefits more from China that it can ever benefit from its friendship with the Dalai Lama“. It may be glamorous to meet the Dalai Lama, and perhaps religiously and morally compelling to do so but it does virtually nothing for the nation itself.

On the other hand, maintaining ties with China may not be glamorous. It may even seem to be an unpopular choice but the truth is, fostering a relationship with China does bring economic prosperity that will trickle down to every sector of society and hence, tremendous benefit for any country.

Botswanan women in traditional church-going dress

Since all nations depend on trade in order to sustain their economies, very few states big or small will want to jeopardize this important relationship with China. Many governments around the world can relate to this sentiment. At the end of the day, a leader of any country will have to prioritize their country’s interests over other ‘peripheral’ interests like that of Tibet and the Dalai Lama. The fact is that there is no obligation for any country to abide by any particular style of governance, except for the one that benefits them.

Botswana has a strong and varied culture that has existed for thousands of years, including unique forms of dance and art

In light of all this, the recent and very last-minute rejection of Lobsang Sangay of the so-called Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) makes sense. As the President of the CTA (Tibetan exiled leadership based in Dharamsala), this rejection is a huge slap on his face. Even Botswana, a country with a population of just over two million and a GDP equal to some billionaires’ personal incomes, now rejects the Tibetans. Such a rejection should be a wake-up call that fewer and fewer nations and people are going to support the corrupt regime of the CTA. The CTA in Dharamsala has been losing grip on their own Tibetan people’s support as well as the support of many nations around the world, who are realizing that being friends with the Tibetan government in-exile reaps no rewards because they are extremely corrupt.

Even when the CTA talks about honor, integrity, human rights and what is supposedly just, they have scandal after scandal in their day-to-day dealings. With so many scandals of their own to contend with, what tangible benefits can the CTA offer to other nations?

Botswanans have turned their backs on Lobsang Sangay and the Tibetans in favor of China

Of course, there are pockets of people around the world who are fooled by the CTA’s externally-touted ‘noble cause’ when in fact, this cause is actually abused to raise funds which they line their pockets with. This is a truth that everyone is waking up to, even as the CTA continues to cry wolf as many times as they like. The rapid decrease in support for the CTA shows clearly that in the end, every single sane government realizes a healthy relationship with China will tremendously boost their economy. This garners more votes so that these governments can stay in office. After all, politics is about money, power and votes. If you are friends with China, you get more power and you get more money, but when you are friends with the CTA, you lose votes and the voters themselves.

 

Dalai Lama Protégé Chickens Out of Botswana Event

Click to enlarge (Source: http://www.thegazette.news/dalai-lama-protege-chickens-out-of-botswana-event/)

Botswana is a landlocked nation in Africa, just north of South Africa. Click to enlarge.

The Zu/’hoasi tribe in the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana live in one of the most remote wildernesses in Africa

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25 Comments

25 Comments

  1. Dondrup Shugden

    February 18, 2018 at 2:44 am

    Looks like whether it is a renowned 1st world country or developing 3rd world country, all countries are getting aware of the benefits of being on China’s side instead of the side of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

    What is amazing is that China goes around the world with financial and investment aids to countries that need such assistance to progress into the 21st century and China does not interfere with the internal politics nor the official religious practices of the countries they have bilateral agreements with. Such is the openness of the Chinese superpower.

    However, China does not tolerate any support to the Dalai Lama and the CTA because of their notion of Tibetan independence which is separation of China, since Tibetan is internationally acknowledged to be part of China.

    CTA must realise not to challenge a world superpower with divisive activities like they have created disharmony and division among Tibetans by the ban and discrimination against Dorje Shugden.

  2. L Lhundup

    February 18, 2018 at 8:21 pm

    What happens when China becomes NUMBER ONE?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVkLqC3p0Og&t=1314s

    I wish to bring your attention to a conference presentation at the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government delivered by Kishore Mahbubani, Dean and Professor in the Practice of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, who discussed the history of China’s rise, and how the United States’ current behavior will influence the future actions of China.

    The presentation in very forthright terms points out why there is a highest probability that China will be number one and how it will change the world.

  3. Doreen Park

    February 22, 2018 at 6:01 am

    One country after another is realising that it benefits them more to stay on the right side of the fence with the word’s economic superpower China. As China frowns on countries that entertain visits by the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan leadership, the trend is now for all countries big or small to reject visits by these Tibetan Leaders. So Botswana is following in the footsteps of other countries.

    However, rather than just smarting over the slap in the face, Tibetan leaders like Dr. Lobsang Sangay, should now pull up their socks and try to follow what these other countries are doing, befriending China and being on cordial terms with this global economic superpower. It pays for Tibetans to thaw out their negative stance towards China. They should do exactly like what the Dalai Lama is now doing- stop all visits to foreign countries and accept Tibet a spart of China and opt for autonomy for Tibet, a status which it is already enjoying. After all countries which had been donating to these Tibetan leaders are also learning that the money has not been used for the betterment of the Tibetans in exile nor has it been used to help constructively in promoting the cause of Tibet.Furthermore, countries round the world are officially recognising Tibet as part of China. Hence the Tibetan leadership has no more cards to play.

  4. Devano

    February 25, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    An article published in 1997 in the Spanish magazine “Mas Alla” stated that Ling Rinpoche practiced Dorje Shugden. The magazine covers spiritual and metaphysical issues around the world, and doesn’t have anything to do with Tibetan Buddhism. So in that way, it has no reason to be biased in and to write articles in support of or against Dorje Shugden.

    The magazine was also issued in 1997, before the height of the ban, at a time when no one was compelled to hide the truth. So we can be sure that the reporting on this matter is therefore neutral and unedited and objective.

    It’s a fact that both the tutors of the 14th Dalai Lama (Kyabje Ling Rinpoche and Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche) practiced Dorje Shugden, which was confirmed by the research conducted by the reporter JC Deus from Mas Alla. Deus clearly interviewed the right people and since the truth will always prevail, it is not surprising that an independent researcher like him with no links to Tibetan Buddhism so easily discovered and reported that Ling Rinpoche does Dorje Shugden practice. Remember that Deus was just doing his duty as a reporter, and reporting it as a neutral historical fact, not with any agenda in mind.

    This is clear proof and it contradicts the false information the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) propagates that Ling Rinpoche does not practise Dorje Shugden. Lies like these will always be found out and exposed. This has been proven with the CTA who continue to make a fool out of themselves, losing trust among the Tibetans and supporters around the world.

    This is PART 1, the first part of my 4-part comment. It shows the first three pages (pg 28-29) and the cover of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden.

  5. Devano

    February 25, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    This is PART 2, the second part of my 4-part comment. It shows the next three pages (pg 30-32) of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden.

  6. Devano

    February 25, 2018 at 4:05 pm

    This is PART 3, the third part of my 4-part comment. It shows the next three pages (pg 33-35) of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden. Please take SPECIAL NOTE to see page 33. The part where it mentions Ling Rinpoche practices Dorje Shugden has been highlighted for your reference.

  7. Devano

    February 25, 2018 at 4:06 pm

    This is PART 4, the final part of my 4-part comment. It shows the last two pages (pg 36-37) of the Mas Alla magazine, which published this report about Dorje Shugden.

  8. Amber Sonam

    February 26, 2018 at 10:09 am

    Another country says no to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The message is clear: everyone wants economic growth and stabilities. China has proven to be able to provide that across the globe, even the supposed to be a strong country like the USA and the UK are kowtowing to China for trade and income.

    On the contrary, His Holiness provides food for thoughts and methods that fill spiritual hunger. Unfortunately, people are more interested in actual food that fill the hungry stomach and the never-ending desire, a choice has to be made.

    The reality is, people are not interested in spirituality but money. His Holiness does not value as much as the economy. So the picture is clear, the direction is here – say no to His Holiness, welcome China, and the prosperous future.

  9. bambi

    February 27, 2018 at 8:57 am

    Serve CTA right!Why would any sane govt want to jeopardize their relationship with a powerful country for a small little nothing CTA.They think that ppl are stupid like them.How much more donations do they want to con ppl into giving them into their own pockets.What type of refugees are they anyway.Millions of dollars given to them but why are the ppl still poor and without a country.Why can’t the CTA just be nice to China like every other sane govt would.They are in a ‘war’ that can never ever win.

  10. Tenzin K

    February 27, 2018 at 9:10 am

    More and more countries showing their support to China. No other country would sacrifices their country’s economy growth over Tibetan leadership. Further more lately we can see so many negative news about Tibetan leadership act towards Corruption, discrimination, violent and etc. Who will have confident to CTA especially their own people the Tibetan. The world able to see the true face behind the mask of CTA.

  11. Samayakeeper

    February 27, 2018 at 9:17 am

    QUOTE:
    ” Even when the CTA talks about honor, integrity, human rights and what is supposedly just, they have scandal after scandal in their day-to-day dealings. With so many scandals of their own to contend with, what tangible benefits can the CTA offer to other nations? ”

    ⬆⬆⬆
    What is Lobsang Sangay and the CTA talking about when they are the ones who do not have honour and integrity, and they sure did not care about human rights when they slammed the ridiculous ban on the practice of Dorje Shugden. CTA is like an ant trying to climb Mount Everest, which is akin to overcoming the might of China. And with the waning support for the Dalai Lama by many foreign head of state and their government, it would be wise for Lobsang Sangay and the CTA to wise up and kiss ass rather than go against China.

  12. Geraldine Sarie

    February 27, 2018 at 9:37 am

    No matter where the CTA go to seek fund, there will be in vain. The corruption in the government came no secrets as been known by whole nation. How would CTA receive aid?
    Even such secluded country would reject CTA visitation would definitely show how bad impression CTA was to others growing countries. It is embarrassing that CTA leader, Lobsang Sangay was not aware their government deportment is being observed.

  13. Brian little

    February 27, 2018 at 11:31 am

    This comes as no surprise. Which country these days would not be perturbed by the pressure from Chinese Government. What happened in Botswana is really a tight slap in the face for CTA. CTA getting desperate for money, looking for possibilities to inherit Africa’s generosity.

  14. Belinda Mae

    February 27, 2018 at 11:46 am

    I guess there is no ONE country dare to be enemy with China. Why? Is because China is one of the top and growing country overtaking America. So, this case goes same for Botswana. Why would they want to risk their ties with China. So far, only the CTA is daring enough to talk negative things about China. But have the CTA forgotten that the Tibetans in China are doing good and out of poverty.

  15. Richard TamLak

    February 27, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    I think China doesn’t even need to make any noise nor any violent about dismissing CTA, continue like this, very soon CTA will be dismissed in short future. China is getting stronger and stronger in its economy. And it is the strongest weapon in the world now. Doesn’t even need to use fire weapon. There will be more and more countries befriending China. Which country doesn’t need money?

  16. Vajra10

    February 27, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    I do not know what make the authorities of the university in Botswana to invite Lobsang Sangay as the speaker but I’m sure such topic which involve a peaceful world has no place for such peace destroyer. Botswana must has not know that what Lobsang Sangay is doing as the prime minister of the Tibetans in exile..but it’s fine at least it was cancelled at the very last minute. If not there will be even greater loss if he manage to carry the talk.

  17. Tianni

    February 27, 2018 at 1:55 pm

    It is indeed very sad to hear Tibetan being rejected again by another country – Botswana. Which country is next? After years and years of suppression of free speech, corruption, double standards and financial mismanagement, talking about human right but ban Dorje Shugden practice and discriminate the practitioners. In terms of karma, you reap what you sow. So 60 years in exile has resulted in a leadership that has failed to provide a decent future for their people. If the CTA continues their path, the Tibetan in exile will continuing to suffer.

  18. Golog Jigme

    February 27, 2018 at 3:16 pm

    Mr. Mila Rangzen says the head of the Tibetan exiled govt is a sexual predator

    Since 2011, Lobsang Sangay’s tenure as the President of the Central Tibetan Administration has been mired with various scandals and failures, such as the election scandal and the US$1.5 million loan scandal. The 17% unemployment rate among the Tibetans in exile has also forced some Tibetans to become spies, betraying their host country India. Now, in more shocking news from Mila Rangzen, who has been proven to have access to a lot of insider news, Lobsang Sangay has been revealed to be a sexual predator who does not hesitate to risk the Dalai Lama’s reputation to satisfy his lust. More women and people are speaking up about this. This is really breaking news. These women deserve a platform to express the pain and humiliation and be open to heal.

    Mila Rangzen has, on numerous occasions, shared extremely accurate and reliable news for the benefit of the Tibetan community. He has never failed us with the accuracy of the news and they have all proven to be true. Mila seems to not be afraid to tell the truth.

    All the victims of the sexual predator Lobsang Sangay should not keep quiet anymore and must expose him once and for all. He should be punished for his actions and asked to step down from his position now! The victims should be empowered by this and speak up and point the finger at Lobsang Sangay if this is true. Do not stay in the dark and hide your shame because Lobsang Sangay is destroying the reputation of the Dalai Lama.

    President Sangay and the sexual assault on Ms Leslie Butterfield
    February 21, 2018
    Just as you, the reader, I am also very concerned about the direction that LS is taking the Tibetan community towards.  Just as Trump he is catering to his base of fanatic Khampa sanjor ex-monk supporters leading to disharmony and divisiveness. Let me start in 2011 during the Kalachakra in Washington DC. – During the Kalachakra from July 6-16th, LS also visited as is normal for him to bask in the glory of His Holiness.  An intern, Leslie Butterfield, at the ICT was assigned to him to assist him in his meetings and moving around DC.  Ms. Butterfield was in her early 20s then and a very attractive young woman who supported His Holiness and the Tibetan cause with her whole heart and being.  She is known to have been a very active participant in numerous activities to further the cause of Tibet and spread the work of compassion of His Holiness.
    It was the night of July 11th that LS physically assaulted her in his hotel room.  The next day she reported this to Mary Beth Markey, the then President of ICT.  There were others in the office who were also made aware of the incident of the previous night. Ms. Butterfield was convinced by Marybeth and others in the ICT not to file charges against LS using the name of HH as an emotional blackmail.  That she would be sullying the name of His Holiness if she was to file a complaint.  She was pressured into not filing a complaint which makes people at ICT complicit in a cover-up.  With so many women coming out with sexual abuse charges it may be time for Ms. Butterfield to come out too.
    She is now married with a child.  Maura Mohinyan comes to mind as someone capable of convincing her to come forward.  Maura as I know her has in-depth knowledge of LS dealings.
    During his last visit to NY and DC along with Kaydor, he had a meeting with the Tibet Fund regarding the $1.5 mil loan.  He is pressurizing TF to write off the loan before the parliament session begins in March so as to prove his point that it was a grant and not a loan even though existing documents show the money as a loan which I have written in depth.  During the meeting, he emotionally blackmailed the TF saying that he was going to ask HH for the money so that it is paid back to the TF just to prove that it was not a loan even though paying it back means it was a loan.  He explicitly asked the TF “if they were comfortable taking money from HH”.  There are ongoing talks between TF and OoT, DC on his behalf about this money.
    His exact words are in the minutes of the meeting at the TF which shall be released here in the next article as it pertains to the interest of the Tibetan people and political corruption.  It is common knowledge in India that HH is very disappointed, to say the least, with LS and the way he is using his office for personal glorification.  The only audience he got was in Gaya after months of trying to see HH.  He has no shame and had the audacity to ask HH to mediate and solve the loan issue.  HH’s response is one of pin-drop silence.
    There are numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of power in Dharamshala but all will not come out openly for fear of retribution as you and I know how the law works in India.  A spark/catalyst is much needed if these women are to get justice and it is where my role begins.
    https://thetibetstar.com/2018/02/21/president-sangay-and-the-sexual-assault-on-ms-leslie-butterfield/

  19. Rangzen

    February 27, 2018 at 3:30 pm

    President Sangay launches attacks on Mila Rangzen
    February 28, 2018
    Like a true citizen of Tibet, I have been critical of powers that be including LS as the president of CTA on policy, conduct, nepotism, regionalism, transparency, and accountability and the price I am paying is his personal attacks on me using his stooges today. What triggered the attacks is this informative piece https://thetibetstar.com/2018/02/21/president-sangay-and-the-sexual-assault-on-ms-leslie-butterfield/ I wasn’t surprised because I was expecting it from a touchy vindictive man like him.
    However, it’s encouraging to be noticed and I will continue to speak up for our people and for our cause stronger than ever. Rights and responsibilities are not properties that belong only to the President, ministers and the parliamentarians. It also belongs to us –the people. Anyone who implies otherwise is either a fool or a threat to democracy and freedom around the world.
    The details of the attacks will be released in the next article.
    Till then stay strong and be determined to pay any price and when necessary make them pay a heavy price too for treading on a king cobra taking care of rats that are destroying our crops.
    This too shall pass!
    https://thetibetstar.com/2018/02/28/president-sangay-launches-attacks-on-mila-rangzen/

  20. Nups

    February 27, 2018 at 3:30 pm

    The never ending story of the CTA being exposed and stopped to create disharmony and more problems.

    Unfortunately it seems that the CTA still fights against China even though they have lost their country 60 years ago.

    When do they realise how much pain and difficulties they create instead of looking for ways to communicate and find solutions. The CTA should prioritise on their people but they still hold on to a lost cause and the Tibetans have to suffer because of this.

    When will the CTA finally do their job?? I mean they should work for the Tibetans, isn’t it? Why do they want to travel the world? Communication with China should be number 1 priority!

  21. Wangel

    February 27, 2018 at 7:16 pm

    Boswana is one of Africa country stand strong for democracy and human right and no curruption. I guess nation at Boswana must be aware how corrupted CTA and subpress human right for Dorje Shugden practition. Lobsang Sangye get rejected by Boswana i am not surprice which CTA stand double standard in front people at the world and try to get simpety to get more donation. This incident is good for CTA to learn the lesson. Never cheat peaple and have real democracy for tibetan to speak up.

  22. Peter

    February 27, 2018 at 8:15 pm

    Tibetan govt in exile is corrupt, liars, segregationalists, greedy, bigots and this is what they do when Dalai Lama is alive. After Dalai Lama is no more, the whole Tibetan govt in exile will just collapse overnight.

    They lost their country in 1959 because they are too corrupt to keep it. For the last 60 years they cannot get their country back. Tibetan govt is a failure whether in Tibet or in exile.👎

  23. Arrie Robtson

    February 27, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    More and more countries are rejecting CTA, not just about the countries, even Tibetans themselves are rejecting CTA, well, what more do we expect? after 60 years of lies and harmful act, what else can we expect from the CTA?

    Be close to China, we can get financial aid, business and development opportunities, but getting close to CTA, they will only play poor me game and suck money from the other countries, I don’t think it’s difficult to choose.

    But the sad part is whatever the CTA has done, it created so much harm that now their citizen are suffering, they don’t have good living environment in the Tibetan settlement, even they want to move to other countries to stay and develop further, but got rejected by the countries. CTA suppose to be the Tibetan government, suppose to be the body to take care the welfare and development of the Tibetans, but they failed to do so, all they interested in is only their own benefits and their own money, thats all. The one left to suffer is the Tibetans.

  24. Golog Jigme

    March 1, 2018 at 2:21 pm

    https://thetibetstar.com/2018/02/28/president-sangay-launches-attacks-on-mila-rangzen/ Mila Rangzen says Lobsang Sangye is hitting back at him. Lobsang Sangye has no decorum and acts like a schoolboy whose milk was spilled. Read the latest.

  25. Tsering

    March 3, 2018 at 3:23 am

    Comic drawn by Tendor, a prominent Free Tibet activist.

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