BEIJING: China strongly criticized a new US law signed by President Joe Biden, which urges Beijing to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama regarding the governance and status of Tibet, a remote Himalayan region. The Act was passed by the House of Representatives last February and it cleared the Senate in May.
The law, “Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act,” aims to revive stalled talks since 2010 between Chinese officials and Tibetan leaders to achieve a negotiated settlement concerning Tibet and to encourage China to address Tibetan people’s aspirations related to their historical, cultural, religious, and linguistic identity.
China’s foreign ministry condemned the law, asserting it as a blatant interference in China’s internal affairs that undermines its interests and sends misleading signals to “Tibet independence” advocates.
While the US officially recognizes Tibet as part of China, analysts suggest the law raises doubts about this stance. The United States has consistently supported Tibetan rights, criticizing China for alleged human rights violations in the region bordering India.
China’s ministry said that the US should refrain from implementing the law, warning of resolute measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests if the US persists in its current direction.
Xizang said that no one and no force should ever attempt to destabilize Xizang to contain and suppress China. Such attempts will never succeed.
“We urge the US side to take concrete actions to honor its commitments of recognizing Xizang as part of China and not supporting “Tibet independence.” The US must not implement the Act. If the US continues down the wrong path, China will take resolute measures to firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests”, Xizang responded to a question.
Recent attention on Tibet-China relations intensified as the Dalai Lama, recovering from medical treatment, celebrated his 89th birthday last week.
The exiled spiritual leader has indicated plans to clarify succession matters around his 90th birthday, while China insists it holds the authority to appoint his successor.
