TPI Senior Research Fellow Dr Tenzin Desal Highlights Tibet’s Environmental and Geopolitical Significance, Raises Concerns Over China’s “Ethnic Unity Law” During Australia VisitCanberra, 19 September 2026: Dr Tenzin Desal, Senior Research Fellow at the Tibet Policy Institute (TPI), concluded a week-long visit to Australia from 14 to 18 September, during which he briefed Australian policymakers, academics and human rights organisations on Tibet’s geopolitical and environmental significance and concerns over China’s new “Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress”.At the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA), ACT Branch, Dr Desal spoke on “Roof of the World: The Geopolitical and Environmental Significance of Tibet,” where he discussed China’s policies in Tibet, including concerns over cultural, linguistic, and religious identity, as well as the exploitation of the Tibetan Plateau’s fragile environment. The event brought together diplomats, academics, strategic experts, and members of the local community.Dr Desal also participated in the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre (USSC) panel, “Tibet at the Epicentre: Geopolitics, Religion and Climate Security.” The event focused on the geopolitical significance of the Tibetan Plateau, its environmental impact, and the broader international implications for human rights and religious freedom.Dr Desal briefed the Australian All-Party Parliamentary Group for Tibet on concerns over China’s new Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity, which he described as providing a legislative framework for forced cultural assimilation and the systematic erasure of Tibetan identity. He also raised concerns over its extra-jurisdictional provisions and potential implications for transnational repression of Tibetan-Australians. He met with Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Ted O’Brien MP and Australia’s Special Envoy for International Human Rights, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP.Amnesty International Victoria hosted a roundtable on “Tibet: Environment and Human Rights,” where Dr Desal discussed the links between China’s state-led infrastructure development, resource extraction and dam construction and restrictions on fundamental freedoms, cultural rights and Tibetan religious practices.In Melbourne, Dr Desal spoke to News24 about the recent flash floods in Tibet and Nepal, raising concerns over censorship and restrictions on the flow of information from China.The visit was facilitated by the Office of Tibet in Canberra.-Report filed by Office of Tibet, Canberra