Nidhish Waghmare
On Friday, President Joe Biden signed “The Resolve Tibet Act,” a landmark legislation emphasizing that China’s occupation of Tibet must be resolved through peaceful means in accordance with international law. The act, formally known as the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, underscores the United States’ commitment to supporting a peaceful dialogue between China and Tibet.
A Call for Dialogue Without Preconditions
The Biden administration has urged China to engage in direct talks with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without any preconditions. This dialogue aims to reach a negotiated settlement that respects the cultural, religious, linguistic, and historical identity of the Tibetan people. The act explicitly rejects China’s claims that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times, labelling these assertions as inaccurate.
“The Resolve Tibet Act cuts to the heart of China’s brutal treatment of the Tibetan people,” said Tencho Gyatso, President of the International Campaign for Tibet. The legislation recognizes the distinct identity of Tibetans and highlights the ongoing suppression of their way of life by the Chinese government.
International Support for Tibetan Autonomy
The Dalai Lama has long called for genuine autonomy for the Tibetan people, advocating for their right to self-determination as recognized under international law. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) expressed his hopes that the new law will empower the Tibetan people to take charge of their future.
The act encourages the US to explore activities that could improve the prospects for a negotiated agreement on Tibet. This includes coordination with other countries to counter disinformation from the Chinese government and support the rights of Tibetans.
Reactions from Tibetan Advocacy Groups
The Central Tibetan Administration welcomed the signing of the Resolve Tibet Act. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Tibetan Administration stated, “BREAKING NEWS: Resolve Tibet Act is now a law after US President Joe Biden signed on 12 July 2024. It helps the US counter misinformation from the PRC and support the rights of Tibetans.”
Students for a Free Tibet, an NGO advocating for the freedom and independence of the Tibetan people, also celebrated the new law. In a post on X, the NGO wrote, “BREAKING: S. 138 The Resolve Tibet Act is officially signed into US law! This law will amplify our ability to echo the will of the Tibetan people, especially those within Tibet, who have never accepted China’s 65-year illegal occupation of their homeland. #FreeTibet.”
Commemorating Tibetan Freedom Fighters
On the same day, a memorial event for Tibetan freedom fighter Tulku Tenzin Delek Rinpoche was held at the Gangkyi Tibetan Library in Dharamshala, India. The event marked the anniversary of his death in Chinese custody and called for the release of all political prisoners in China. Speakers at the event emphasized the ongoing struggle for Tibetan freedom and the importance of international support in their fight for justice.
The Resolve Tibet Act represents a significant step in the international community’s efforts to address the Tibetan issue. By promoting peaceful dialogue and rejecting China’s historical claims, the US reaffirms its commitment to supporting the rights and autonomy of the Tibetan people. As the situation unfolds, the global community will closely monitor the impact of this legislation on the future of Tibet.
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