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.
Concerns that the US might abandon Taiwan are often overstated. While US President Donald Trump’s handling of Ukraine raised unease in Taiwan, it is crucial to recognize that Taiwan is not Ukraine. Under Trump, the US views Ukraine largely as a European problem, whereas the Indo-Pacific region remains its primary geopolitical focus. Taipei holds immense strategic value for Washington and is unlikely to be treated as a bargaining chip in US-China relations. Trump’s vision of “making America great again” would be directly undermined by any move to abandon Taiwan. Despite the rhetoric of “America First,” the Trump administration understands the necessity of
In an article published on this page on Tuesday, Kaohsiung-based journalist Julien Oeuillet wrote that “legions of people worldwide would care if a disaster occurred in South Korea or Japan, but the same people would not bat an eyelid if Taiwan disappeared.” That is quite a statement. We are constantly reading about the importance of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), hailed in Taiwan as the nation’s “silicon shield” protecting it from hostile foreign forces such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and so crucial to the global supply chain for semiconductors that its loss would cost the global economy US$1
US President Donald Trump’s challenge to domestic American economic-political priorities, and abroad to the global balance of power, are not a threat to the security of Taiwan. Trump’s success can go far to contain the real threat — the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) surge to hegemony — while offering expanded defensive opportunities for Taiwan. In a stunning affirmation of the CCP policy of “forceful reunification,” an obscene euphemism for the invasion of Taiwan and the destruction of its democracy, on March 13, 2024, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) used Chinese social media platforms to show the first-time linkage of three new
Sasha B. Chhabra’s column (“Michelle Yeoh should no longer be welcome,” March 26, page 8) lamented an Instagram post by renowned actress Michelle Yeoh (楊紫瓊) about her recent visit to “Taipei, China.” It is Chhabra’s opinion that, in response to parroting Beijing’s propaganda about the status of Taiwan, Yeoh should be banned from entering this nation and her films cut off from funding by government-backed agencies, as well as disqualified from competing in the Golden Horse Awards. She and other celebrities, he wrote, must be made to understand “that there are consequences for their actions if they become political pawns of
RSS