Washington, D.C.: The House of Representatives has approved a bill aimed at bolstering US efforts to urge the Chinese government to engage in dialogue with Tibetan leaders to resolve the longstanding Tibet-China dispute.
The bipartisan ‘Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act’, also known as the Resolve Tibet Act, seeks to compel China to resume negotiations with the Dalai Lama’s envoys or the democratically elected leaders of Tibet, which have been stalled since 2010.
Introduced by Congressman Jim McGovern and Michael McCaul, the bill challenges China’s claim that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times and authorizes the State Department to actively combat China’s disinformation about Tibetan history, people, and institutions. A similar bill was introduced by Senators Jeff Merkley and Todd Young.
“A vote for this bill is a vote to recognize the rights of the Tibetan people. And it is a vote to insist on resolving the dispute between Tibet and the People’s Republic of China peacefully, in accordance with international law, through dialogue, without preconditions. There is still an opportunity to do this. But time is running out,” McGovern stated.
Congressman Young Kim emphasized that the bill ensures Tibetans have a say in their future and underscores the necessity of direct dialogue between the CCP and the democratically elected leaders of Tibet.
Congressman Kathy Manning highlighted Beijing’s refusal to meet international obligations to engage the Dalai Lama and his representatives in dialogue since 2010, along with a disinformation campaign aimed at distorting the truth about Tibet’s history.
Congressman Chris Smith condemned the Chinese Communist Party’s repression of Tibetans both within Tibet and abroad, alleging crimes against humanity and extending repressive measures to Tibetan diaspora communities in the United States, India, and Nepal.
The Central Tibetan Administration to North America expressed gratitude for bipartisan support, affirming that the Resolve Tibet Act will invigorate Tibetan resilience and determination.
International Campaign for Tibet president Tencho Gyatso underscored the growing US support for Tibet and urged China to restart dialogue with Tibetan leaders.
The bill’s passage reflects the enduring commitment to Tibet despite China’s efforts to undermine international support, Gyatso noted, expressing gratitude to the representatives who facilitated its approval.
