Historic “Chalo DC” Mass Movement Demonstration in Washington, DC
On 24 September 2026, the Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC) organized the historic “Chalo DC” Mass Movement Demonstration in Washington, DC, bringing together Tibetans from across North America and Canada in a powerful display of unity and determination against the visit of Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Washington, DC.
The demonstration provided a historic platform for Tibetans in exile to come together and show that, despite decades of repression and increasingly restrictive policies, the Tibetan voice cannot and will not be silenced. The gathering came at a particularly significant moment, as Xi Jinping’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump provided an important opportunity for Tibetans to demonstrate their strength, unity, and unwavering commitment to the cause of Tibet.
The protest also expressed deep opposition to China’s so-called “Ethnic Unity Law,” which the Tibetan Youth Congress condemns as a deeply repressive policy aimed at further undermining and erasing Tibetan identity, culture, language, and national existence. For the Tibetan community, such policies are not merely political measures but a continuing threat to the survival of Tibet’s distinct identity and heritage.
The demonstration was further strengthened by the participation of representatives and supporters from other oppressed nations of China. Tibetans, Uyghurs, Hong Kong activists, Southern Mongolians, and Chinese democracy supporters stood together in Washington, raising a shared voice for freedom, human rights, cultural preservation, and justice. Their solidarity demonstrated that the struggle against repression transcends borders and communities.
We were honored to hear from distinguished speakers, including Former Speaker of the U.S. House Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Hon. Congressman Jim McGovern, TYC President Tsering Chomphel, ICT President Tencho Gyatso, CATA President Tenzin Norbu, Chinese democracy supporters Baosheng Guo and Sophie Luo, Frances Hui of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, Mr. Enghebatu representing Southern Mongolians, and Omar Kanat, Executive Director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project. We express our sincere gratitude to all the speakers and supporters who stood with Tibet and shared their voices in solidarity.
As Xi Jinping met with the U.S. President, Tibetans and other oppressed communities gathered in the streets of Washington to ensure that the human rights crisis under Chinese rule could not be overlooked. The demonstration called on the United States and the international community to raise the issues of Tibet, East Turkistan, Hong Kong, and other affected communities in their engagement with Beijing.
For Tibetans, the gathering was more than a protest—it was an expression of collective memory, pain, courage, and hope. Thousands of miles away from their homeland, Tibetans stood together with renewed determination to protect their identity and keep alive the aspirations of generations who have sacrificed for Tibet.
The Tibetan Youth Congress extends its heartfelt gratitude to all Tibetans across North America and Canada, as well as friends and supporters from other communities, who came together to make this historic demonstration possible.
United for Freedom.
United for Human Rights.
United for Tibet.
PhotoCredit: Tenzin Wangdu Rangzen