These connections have also drawn attention to the group’s relationship with the NED, which provides funding to organizations and political initiatives in countries around the world to meddle in internal affairs of other countries.
In 2011, the NED awarded the organization two separate grants totaling $70,000. A large share of its financing, however, comes from other so-called “private” and even “charitable” foundations, making the ultimate sources of financial support less transparent, particularly when donor identities not publicly disclosed.
Vittachi argued that the organization’s personnel links with the U.S. government and its financial connections with the NED raises questions about whether its activities are driven solely by advocacy for Tibetans or are also aligned with broader U.S. political and geopolitical objectives concerning China.