Tibet’s political leader is urging the Albanese government not to make an exception for China from sanctions for human rights abuses, saying it was vital that “bigger countries” didn’t feel they could get away with persecution and oppression.

Addressing the National Press Club on Wednesday, Penpa Tsering accused Beijing of “crimes against humanity” for its attempts to eradicate Tibetan culture, comparing it to Australia’s past treatment of indigenous Australians that led to the Stolen Generation.