Tibet’s self-declared Government-in-exile’s President Lobsang Sangay in May thanked US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for making a strong call to China for the release of the second-highest holy monk, the Panchen Lama. Thanking the US Secretary of State “for not only consistently supporting the Tibet issue, but also making a call for the Panchen Lama in the strongest words ever in a long time”, Sangay said in a statement that “this shows the US’ unwavering solidarity with the Tibetan people”.

Referring to the global call on China to release the Panchen Lama, Sangay said, “It sends a strong message to the Chinese Government that the international call for Panchen Lama is stronger than ever and will continue to campaign for his release until he is able to return to his rightful place at the Tashi Lhunpo monastery in Tibet.”