In a bold display of diplomatic assertiveness, a bipartisan delegation from the United States, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, defied Chinese criticism by meeting with the Dalai Lama at his residence. This high-profile visit underscores America's stance on global human rights issues and its support for Tibetan autonomy within China.
During the visit, Pelosi, a staunch advocate for Tibet, delivered a pointed message to China, stating, “His Holiness Dalai Lama will live a long time and his legacy will live forever, but to you President of China, you will be gone and nobody will give you credit for anything,” said Pelosi, a long-time supporter of the Tibetan cause, while accusing China of not doing justice with Tibet.
Pelosi's presence symbolizes solidarity with global human rights causes and challenges Chinese policies. The delegation, which included Chairman Michael McCaul and other members such as Nicole Malliotakis and Gregory W Meeks, presented the Resolve Tibet Act—a bipartisan bill aimed at bolstering US support for Tibet and facilitating dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama towards a peaceful resolution.
Addressing the gathering, the Dalai Lama emphasized that the Tibetan cause is about justice and the preservation of culture, language, and identity. He described it as a struggle for human rights and dignity.
The Congressional visit to Dharamsala, where the Tibetan government-in-exile is based, received praise from Penpa Tsering, President of the Central Tibetan Administration, who acknowledged their leadership in advancing the Resolve Tibet Act in the US Congress.
“Just this week our delegation received a letter from the Chinese Communist Party, warning us not to come here... But we did not let the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) intimidate us for we are here today,” McCaul said.
Chairman McCaul reaffirmed America's commitment to Tibet's right to self-determination through the Bill, despite warnings from the Chinese Communist Party against the visit. “Just this week our delegation received a letter from the Chinese Communist Party, warning us not to come here... But we did not let the CCP intimidate us for we are here today,” McCaul declared.
China, viewing the Dalai Lama as a 'separatist', expressed serious concern over the US lawmakers' visit to Dharamsala. The visit coincided with the Dalai Lama's planned medical trip to the US, where he will undergo treatment for his knees without any public engagements.
The Dalai Lama has been living in India since fleeing Tibet in 1959, advocating for Tibetan autonomy and cultural preservation from his self-imposed exile.
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