A bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress, led by Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is scheduled to visit Dharamshala next week. Their primary aim is to meet with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders, showcasing ongoing American support for the Tibetan cause.
The visit, planned for June 18-19, will take place amidst recent legislative actions in the US. Just days ago, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the “Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act,” also known as the Resolve Tibet Act. This legislation urges China to engage in dialogue with Tibetan leaders, including the Dalai Lama, to address the longstanding dispute over Tibet’s status.
Chairman McCaul, along with three other lawmakers, introduced the bill earlier this year. It garnered broad bipartisan support, passing with a vote of 391-26. The Senate had previously amended the bill, and its final version will now be sent to President Joe Biden for approval.
The Resolve Tibet Act unequivocally rejects China’s historical claims over Tibet and calls on Beijing to cease disseminating misinformation about Tibet and its people. This legislative push underscores US lawmakers’ firm stance in supporting Tibetan autonomy and the leadership of the Dalai Lama.
The timing of the delegation’s visit is significant, coinciding with a period of strained relations between India and China, exacerbated by ongoing military tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Nancy Pelosi, known for her longstanding advocacy for Tibet, has visited Dharamshala in the past to meet with Tibetan leaders. Her presence alongside Chairman McCaul during this visit amplifies the message of American solidarity with the Tibetan people and their leadership.
ALSO READ: “China Rejects Autonomy Talks, Limits Tibet Dialogue to Dalai Lama’s Envoys”
Responding to such visits, China has consistently expressed displeasure, labeling the Dalai Lama as a separatist and urging foreign leaders to refrain from engaging with him. Despite China’s objections, US lawmakers continue to assert the importance of supporting Tibetan autonomy and human rights.
The upcoming visit to Dharamshala by the US Congressional delegation not only reaffirms America’s commitment to the Tibetan cause but also highlights international pressure on China to address the longstanding issue of Tibet’s autonomy. As diplomatic engagements unfold, the visit is expected to resonate strongly in both diplomatic circles and global human rights discussions.
Comments