In the annals of history, few US presidents have demonstrated such an unwavering commitment to human rights and global peace as former US president Jimmy Carter. His friendship with the Dalai Lama and support for the Tibetan cause stand as a testament to his enduring legacy of compassion and justice.
Carter and the Dalai Lama first crossed paths in the late 20th century, united by their shared commitment to peace, human rights and spiritual values. Carter, a devout Christian, and the Dalai Lama, a Buddhist spiritual leader, found common ground in their belief in the power of compassion and dialogue. This bond was not merely symbolic; it was rooted in a mutual respect and a shared vision for a more just and peaceful world.
During his presidency (1977-1981), Carter made human rights a cornerstone of his foreign policy. He believed that the US had a moral obligation to support oppressed peoples worldwide, including the Tibetans under Chinese rule. Carter’s administration was one of the first to publicly acknowledge the human rights abuses in Tibet, bringing international attention to the plight of the Tibetan people.
After leaving office, Carter continued to champion the cause of Tibet through the Carter Center, an organization he founded to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering. He used his platform to advocate for the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination and to call for dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama. His efforts were not without risk, as they often put him at odds with powerful political interests.
The Dalai Lama has often spoken of his deep admiration for Carter, describing him as a true friend of Tibet. On Carter’s 100th birthday, the Dalai Lama sent a heartfelt message, praising his lifelong dedication to peace and human rights. This enduring friendship is a powerful reminder of the impact that principled leadership can have on global issues.
Carter’s friendship with the Dalai Lama and his unwavering support for the Tibetan cause highlight the profound impact of moral leadership. In a world often driven by political expediency, Carter’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for future leaders to prioritize human rights and compassion in their policies.
His life and work remind us that true leadership is not measured by power or popularity, but by the courage to stand up for what is right.
Khedroob Thondup is a former member of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile.
The gutting of Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) by US President Donald Trump’s administration poses a serious threat to the global voice of freedom, particularly for those living under authoritarian regimes such as China. The US — hailed as the model of liberal democracy — has the moral responsibility to uphold the values it champions. In undermining these institutions, the US risks diminishing its “soft power,” a pivotal pillar of its global influence. VOA Tibetan and RFA Tibetan played an enormous role in promoting the strong image of the US in and outside Tibet. On VOA Tibetan,
Sung Chien-liang (宋建樑), the leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) efforts to recall Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lee Kun-cheng (李坤城), caused a national outrage and drew diplomatic condemnation on Tuesday after he arrived at the New Taipei City District Prosecutors’ Office dressed in a Nazi uniform. Sung performed a Nazi salute and carried a copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf as he arrived to be questioned over allegations of signature forgery in the recall petition. The KMT’s response to the incident has shown a striking lack of contrition and decency. Rather than apologizing and distancing itself from Sung’s actions,
US President Trump weighed into the state of America’s semiconductor manufacturing when he declared, “They [Taiwan] stole it from us. They took it from us, and I don’t blame them. I give them credit.” At a prior White House event President Trump hosted TSMC chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家), head of the world’s largest and most advanced chip manufacturer, to announce a commitment to invest US$100 billion in America. The president then shifted his previously critical rhetoric on Taiwan and put off tariffs on its chips. Now we learn that the Trump Administration is conducting a “trade investigation” on semiconductors which
By now, most of Taiwan has heard Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s (蔣萬安) threats to initiate a vote of no confidence against the Cabinet. His rationale is that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government’s investigation into alleged signature forgery in the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) recall campaign constitutes “political persecution.” I sincerely hope he goes through with it. The opposition currently holds a majority in the Legislative Yuan, so the initiation of a no-confidence motion and its passage should be entirely within reach. If Chiang truly believes that the government is overreaching, abusing its power and targeting political opponents — then
RSS