On September 24, more than 3,000 Tibetan protesters gathered in Washington during Chinese President Xi Jinping's first state visit to the White House in over a decade, demanding that the US raise human rights concerns, release political and religious prisoners, and repeal China's new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law. The demonstration, organized by the Tibetan Youth Congress, later expanded into a broader coalition of Uyghur, Southern Mongolian, Chinese democracy, Taiwanese, Burmese, Falun Gong, and Chinese Christian groups.
The rally began at approximately 9 a.m. outside the Chinese Embassy before protesters marched toward the US Capitol, carrying Tibetan flags and signs with messages such as “Xi Jinping is guilty of genocide” and “Tibet was never a part of China.” Organizers described it as the largest-ever Tibetan rally in North America.
Tencho Gyatso, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, said, “Human rights should not be left outside of their talks. The Tibetans, the Uyghurs, the Hong Kongers, the Taiwanese, we want to make sure our voices are also heard there.”
The protest unfolded as President Xi held talks with US President Donald Trump covering AI, trade, Taiwan, Iran, and rare earths. Trump hosted Xi at a state dinner on the evening of September 24.
Tibetan activists specifically called for the repeal of China’s Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, which took effect in July and promotes a shared sense of identity among China’s 56 ethnic groups. Activists say the law advances efforts to assimilate Tibetans into Chinese identity, while Chinese authorities maintain it protects minority rights and promotes ethnic unity.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The protest underscores ongoing tensions over China's ethnic policies and human rights record, which remain a flashpoint in US-China relations.
- The scale and diversity of the demonstration signal growing international attention to Tibet and other regional issues during high-level diplomatic engagements.
- The outcome of the Xi-Trump talks may set the tone for future US policy on Tibet and human rights.
Background
Tibet has been governed by China since the 1950s, but a significant Tibetan diaspora continues to advocate for autonomy and cultural preservation. Beijing views Tibet as an inalienable part of China and rejects allegations of human rights abuses. The new Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, effective July 2026, has drawn criticism from activists who see it as a tool for forced assimilation. Xi's visit was his first state visit to Washington in over a decade, taking place amid disputes over Taiwan, trade, and technology.
Key Perspectives
Tibetan activists and supporters: They argue that human rights and cultural preservation must be central to US-China talks. They call for the release of political prisoners and repeal of the Ethnic Unity Law, which they claim threatens Tibetan identity.
Chinese government: Authorities say the Ethnic Unity Law protects minority rights and promotes harmony. Beijing considers Tibet an integral part of China and rejects external interference in its internal affairs.
US government (implicit): While the White House hosted Xi for talks on trade and strategic issues, the protest highlights the human rights dimension that some US lawmakers and advocacy groups urge the administration to address.
What to Watch
- Whether President Trump raised human rights and Tibet publicly or in private during talks with Xi.
- Any Chinese government response to the protest, including potential criticism of US allowing the demonstration.
- Next steps by Tibetan advocacy groups and other diasporas in building on the momentum of the Washington rally.