DHARAMSHALA, India – A bipartisan United States congressional delegation recently met with the Dalai Lama at his residence in India’s Dharamshala, sparking anger from China. The exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism is viewed by China as a dangerous separatist. The meeting occurred as the United States and China restart talks after a tumultuous period following tariffs imposed on Chinese goods under the Trump administration. Tensions escalated further due to the COVID-19 pandemic and military conflicts in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
The delegation, led by Republican Rep. Michael McCaul and including Democratic former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, met with officials from the Tibetan government-in-exile. China does not recognize this administration and has not engaged in dialogue with representatives of the Dalai Lama since 2010.
Following the meeting with the Dalai Lama, the U.S. lawmakers addressed a crowd at a monastery near the spiritual leader’s residence. They highlighted the Resolve Tibet Act recently passed by the U.S. Congress. This bill aims to facilitate dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Chinese officials in hopes of achieving a peaceful resolution between Tibet and Beijing. The legislation now awaits President Joe Biden’s signature.
Pelosi described the bill as a message to the Chinese government about the U.S.’s stance on Tibet’s freedom, receiving applause from the crowd. McCaul reiterated American support for Tibetan self-determination, emphasizing that the delegation did not allow the Chinese Communist Party to intimidate them by visiting Dharamshala.
China swiftly voiced opposition to the delegation’s visit and the newly passed bill. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson warned the U.S. against supporting Tibetan independence and urged the White House not to sign the bill into law. The spokesperson did not elaborate on potential actions China might take.
The Dalai Lama, despite being labeled a separatist by China, maintains that he advocates for autonomy and preservation of Tibet’s Buddhist culture. As the spiritual leader prepares to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment, Beijing continues to caution against outside interference in Tibetan affairs. While India recognizes Tibet as part of China, it provides refuge for Tibetan exiles.
The history of the Dalai Lama engaging with U.S. officials, excluding Donald Trump, is notable. The spiritual leader has yet to meet President Biden since he took office in 2021. With tensions between the U.S. and China persisting, the situation in Tibet remains a contentious issue.