Ottawa, April 24, 2026 – Representative Dr. Namgyal Choedup Concludes Ottawa Visit with Strong Message on Countering Foreign Interference and Transnational Repression
On the second and third day of his visit to Ottawa, Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the Office of Tibet (Central Tibetan Administration), Dr. Namgyal Choedup, took part in a joint event on countering foreign interference, where he delivered a powerful message of hope, solidarity, and democratic resilience.
Addressing a diverse audience that included Members of Parliament, senators, government officials, diplomats, media representatives, academics, and members of civil society, Dr. Choedup emphasized that the struggle against authoritarian interference must be rooted in both moral clarity and collective action. He reminded attendees that the Chinese Communist Party is an insecure regime that is attempting to eradicate the identities of Tibetans and Uyghurs, while also undermining the democratic freedoms of Hong Kongers and Taiwanese.
The event, co-organized by the Canada Tibet Committee, highlighted the growing threat of foreign interference and transnational repression in Canada and beyond. It also underscored the importance of cross-community solidarity among those targeted by the Chinese government’s coercive policies. At the event, Canada Tibet Committee Chair Samphe Lhalungpa spoke on the urgent need for institutionalized support for Canadian law enforcement agencies so they can more effectively respond to cases of transnational repression. His remarks pointed to the need for stronger coordination, capacity, and long-term policy commitment to protect communities in Canada who are increasingly affected by intimidation, surveillance, and foreign-state interference.
The joint event included speeches expressing messages of solidarity and support across party lines from MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, MP Judy Sgro, MP Sameer Zuberi, MP Melissa Lantsman, and Senator Leo Housakos, among others. Their presence reflected growing cross-party concern in Canada over the threats posed by authoritarian regimes to democracy, human rights, and diaspora communities.
Other featured speakers included prominent Uyghur leaders Rushan Abbas and Mehmet Tohti, as well as Citizen Lab China expert Emilie Dork, who each brought important perspectives on the realities of repression, surveillance, and interference carried out by the Chinese state across borders.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Choedup also participated in a press conference on forced labour and transnational repression held on Parliament Hill. The press conference was joined by MP Garnett Genuis, Uyghur leaders Rushan Abbas and Mehmet Tohti, and Dean Baxendale of Optimum Publishing. The speakers highlighted the urgent need for democratic governments to confront forced labour in supply chains and respond more seriously to the growing impact of transnational repression on targeted communities in Canada.
Dr. Choedup’s three-day visit to Ottawa concluded with a meeting at Global Affairs Canada, where he updated senior officials on the current situation inside Tibet and raised concern over China’s recently imposed Ethnic Unity and Progress Law. He noted that the law is deeply contradictory to the existing Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law, and legalizes policies of coercive assimilation, cultural erasure, and tighter political control over Tibetans and other oppressed peoples.
