Chinese and U.S. flags flutter outside the building of an American company in Beijing, China, January 21, 2021. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo
China expressed strong opposition on Saturday to a U.S. law signed by President Joe Biden that urges Beijing to resolve the dispute over Tibet’s demands for greater autonomy. Beijing has vowed to “firmly defend” its interests in response.
President Biden signed the Tibet Dispute Act into law on Friday. The act aims to push Beijing to hold talks with Tibetan leaders, which have been stalled since 2010, to reach a negotiated agreement on the Himalayan region. The law also encourages China to address the Tibetan people’s aspirations concerning their historical, cultural, religious, and linguistic identity.
China’s foreign ministry criticized the law, stating that it “grossly interferes in China’s domestic affairs, undermines China’s interests, and sends a severely wrong signal to the ‘Tibet independence’ forces.” While Washington recognizes Tibet as part of China, analysts suggest the law may appear to challenge this position. The U.S. has historically supported the rights of the Tibetan people to practice their religion and culture and has accused China of human rights violations in the region bordering India.
“The U.S. must not implement the Act,” the Chinese foreign ministry stated. “If the U.S. continues down the wrong path, China will take resolute measures to firmly defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests.”
The focus on Tibet-China issues has intensified as the Dalai Lama, recuperating from a medical procedure, recently turned 89. The exiled spiritual leader has indicated he will address questions about his succession around his 90th birthday, while China insists it will choose his successor.
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