China’s embassy to the US sent a threatening letter to lawmakers who visited the Dalai Lama in Tibet, urging them to cancel the trip as it interfered with China’s internal affairs and violated its sovereignty. The bipartisan House delegation, despite warnings, met with the exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, in northern India. They rejected Communist China’s warnings and stood in support of the Tibetan people’s rights and self-determination.
In response to the letter from the Chinese embassy, the House lawmakers denounced China’s oppression of the Tibetan people and bullying of the Dalai Lama. They emphasized the importance of countering Chinese misinformation about Tibet’s history, advocating for the Tibetan people’s self-determination, and ensuring a continuity plan for the Dalai Lama’s successor. The visit underscored the successful passage by Congress of the Resolve Tibet Act, which aims to counter disinformation spread by Beijing regarding Tibet’s history and the region’s status.
The Chinese embassy claimed that human rights conditions in Tibet are better than ever, contradicting reports of forced labor camps and repression of Tibetan farmers. The House lawmakers refuted these claims and reassured the gathered crowd in Dharamshala of their support for the Tibetan people’s rights. Additionally, the visit highlighted the importance of continuing to advocate for the freedom of Tibet and pushing back against Chinese interference in the region.
President Biden has not yet signed the Resolve Tibet Act into law, despite its passing in Congress. The White House press secretary stated that the President will act in the best interest of the American people when considering the bill. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson warned against signing the bill into law, threatening “resolute measures” if it goes ahead. The bill aims to send a message to the Chinese government that the US is clear in its support for Tibet’s freedom and autonomy.
The visit to the Dalai Lama marked another instance of House Speaker Pelosi disregarding Chinese warnings, following a previous visit to Taiwan. The trip to India was seen as a show of support for the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile, which has had no relations with Beijing since 2010. The visit was also an opportunity for the delegation to emphasize the importance of countering Chinese misinformation, supporting Tibetan self-determination, and advocating for the protection of Tibetan culture and heritage.
The Dalai Lama was expected to travel to the US for medical treatment following the visit, raising questions about potential meetings with US officials on American soil. The visit to Dharamshala highlighted the bipartisan support for Tibet and the Dalai Lama, despite Chinese objections. The lawmakers stressed the importance of standing up to Chinese pressure and advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people. Their visit sent a strong message of solidarity and support for Tibet’s autonomy and cultural heritage.
