Tibetan Studies Conference in Nepal Canceled as Government Cites Diplomatic Sensitivities

Nepal has canceled the 17th International Association for Tibetan Studies (IATS) conference that was planned for Kathmandu later this month. The event, scheduled for August 23 to 29 and expected to draw hundreds of scholars from around 39 countries, was called off after requests from Nepalese government officials. Reports say the decision followed concerns raised by China regarding possible attendance or discussion involving representatives linked to the Dalai Lama or the Tibetan government-in-exile. Organizers have not announced an alternative date.