The International Association for Tibetan Studies says its 17th seminar, planned for August 23–29, 2026 at Kathmandu University, was prevented from taking place on campus and moved online. The association said more than 700 participants had been expected.
Nepalese reporting, citing officials, attributed the intervention to pressure connected to the Mainland Chinese government. IATS itself said it was not given an explanation. That distinction matters: the cancellation is established; the claimed cause should remain attributed to the Nepalese reporting unless further primary evidence emerges.
Free China Editorial / Analysis
Academic exchange on Tibet should not depend on political approval from a foreign government. Universities need transparent rules that protect scholarly independence, disclose external pressure and provide a review process when conferences are restricted. Nepal should explain who ordered the intervention, on what legal basis, and whether any foreign government sought or encouraged it.
Sources: International Association for Tibetan Studies; Kathmandu Post; Associated Press.
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