China has strongly objected to Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Dharamshala and urged President Joe Biden not to endorse the Tibet policy bill, warning of decisive actions. The US congressional delegation, led by Michael McCaulis, is currently in India to bolster bilateral relations and meet the Dalai Lama, sparking a diplomatic row with China.
Pelosi, a former US House Speaker, joined the delegation in Dharamshala, the seat of Tibet’s government-in-exile since the Dalai Lama’s arrival in India six decades ago. Recently, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Promoting and Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, aimed at countering Beijing’s alleged misinformation about Tibet’s history and institutions.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the visit, labeling the Dalai Lama as a political figure engaged in separatist activities under the guise of religion. Lin urged the US to acknowledge the Dalai Lama’s anti-China stance, honor its commitments regarding Tibet (Xizang), refrain from engaging with the Dalai Lama, and avoid sending misleading signals globally.
China, maintaining Tibet as an integral part since ancient times, insists that Tibet-related issues are internal affairs beyond external interference. Lin stressed China’s resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and development interests, cautioning against US actions that could destabilize Tibet or challenge China’s territorial integrity.
The bipartisan Tibet policy bill, awaiting Biden’s approval, seeks to challenge China’s narrative on Tibet and encourage dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama. China vehemently opposes the bill, warning of stringent measures should the US proceed with its enactment.
Amid tensions, China affirmed Tibet’s socio-economic progress, asserting its commitment to stability and development in the region. The bill itself challenges China’s historical claims and expands the definition of Tibet beyond the Tibet Autonomous Region to include Tibetan-populated areas in several Chinese provinces.
Dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama’s representatives remains contentious, with China rejecting talks on autonomy for Tibet while advocating for its version of Tibet’s governance. The Dalai Lama, having fled Tibet in 1959, continues to advocate for autonomy but not independence, residing in India amidst strained Sino-Tibetan relations since the 2008 Tibetan protests against Chinese rule.
