China called upon the Dalai Lama on Thursday to thoroughly reconsider and completely amend his political stances before initiating discussions with him, while also urging the United States to recognize the sensitivity and significance of Tibet-related matters. This statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry was made during a press briefing by spokesperson Lin Jian, affirming China's consistent policy regarding contact and dialogue with the 14th Dalai Lama.
"The crux of the matter lies in the 14th Dalai Lama's need to deeply reflect upon and entirely rectify his political propositions," Lin emphasized, refraining from further elaboration.
China closely monitored the visit of a prominent U.S. Congressional delegation to Dharamsala, where they met with the 88-year-old spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Members of the delegation, including U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee chair Michael McCaul and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, expressed strong reservations about China's Tibet policy. They called upon Beijing to engage in talks with the Dalai Lama amid the impending passage of a rigorous Tibet policy law by the U.S. Congress, awaiting President Joe Biden's signature to become law.
In response, Beijing urged President Biden against endorsing the Tibet policy bill, cautioning of resolute countermeasures. Regarding the U.S. delegation's meeting with the Dalai Lama, Lin stated, “We urge the US to clearly see the sensitivity and importance of Xizang-related issues and earnestly respect China’s core interests on its comments on Xizang, refrain from any forms with the Dalai group and stop sending out to the world wrong signals."
Lin also criticized reported statements by the Tibetan government-in-exile, which indicated plans to leverage the new U.S. legislation to pressure China into negotiations. "The so-called Tibetan government-in-exile is a blatant separatist political entity and an illegal organization in direct violation of China's constitution and laws. It lacks recognition from any country," Lin asserted.
Following their discussions with the Dalai Lama, McCaul asserted the Tibetan people's right to self-determination and the freedom to practice their religion openly. At a felicitation event hosted by the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, McCaul underscored the delegation's defiance of warnings from the Chinese Communist Party.
"We received a warning from the CCP not to visit here. They continue to falsely claim Tibet as part of China since the 13th century, but we did not allow their intimidation to deter us," McCaul declared. He highlighted the distinct religious, cultural, and historical identity of Tibetans, advocating for their autonomy in shaping their future.
Expressing solidarity, McCaul presented the Dalai Lama with a wind chime symbolizing continued U.S. support. He acknowledged the challenges faced by Tibetans since their exile from Tibet 65 years ago and reiterated hopes for their eventual return in peace.
Despite ongoing CCP threats and interference in Tibetan affairs, McCaul affirmed, "It remains my aspiration that one day, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his people will return to Tibet in harmony."
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