Former Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, and other members of the congressional delegation arrived at the Dalai Lama's residence on Wednesday to meet with the Tibetan spiritual leader. The delegation visited the Dalai Lama's residence in McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh. The head of the delegation, Michael McCaul, said President Joe Biden would soon sign a bill aimed at China to resolve the Tibet dispute. Pressure has to be applied.
The Resolve Tibet Act urges Beijing to resume talks with Tibetan leaders, stalled since 2010, to peacefully resolve government differences with China. The purpose of this bill is to resolve the issue of Tibet through dialogue between the two countries. It also urges China to fulfill the wishes of the Tibetan people regarding their historical, cultural, religious and linguistic identity.
Ahead of the U.S. delegation's meeting with the Dalai Lama, deputy speaker of Tibet's parliament in exile, Dolma Tsering Tekhang said the U.S. lawmakers' visit showed that “Tibet is not alone.”
On Tuesday, a group of US representatives, including Nancy Pelosi, arrived at Kangra Airport in Dharamsala. It also includes Rep. Marinette Miller Max, Speaker Emerita, Rep. Gregory Max, Rep. Nicole Maliotakis, Rep. Jim McGovern, and Rep. Amy Berra.
Officials of the Central Tibetan Administration welcomed the American delegation upon their arrival.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, McCaul said, “We're very excited to see His Holiness tomorrow and talk about a lot of things, including the bill that we passed through Congress, which is fundamental to It basically says that the United States stands with the people of Tibet.”
Asked if Biden would sign the bill, he added, “Yes, he will.”
The US House of Representatives passed the Resolve Tibet Act, which now awaits Biden's signature to become law. The bill challenges Beijing's claim that Tibet has always been part of China and calls on China to stop spreading misinformation about Tibet's history, people and institutions, including the Dalai Lama. Additionally, it urges China to initiate dialogue with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders regarding the governance of Tibet.
American politicians have often visited Dharamshala to support the Dalai Lama's efforts to win international support for the preservation of the language and culture of Tibet, his mountain homeland.
The Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese control in Tibet. Chinese officials oppose any meetings they hold with officials from other nations.
China's response
Beijing, which views Nobel Peace Prize laureate the Dalai Lama as a dangerous “separatist” or separatist, expressed deep concern on Tuesday about the visit and the bill to be signed by Biden.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, “We… urge the United States to fully recognize the anti-China and separatist nature of the Dalai clique, abide by its commitments on Tibet-related issues, avoid any contact with, and stop sending false messages. We urge the US side to honor its commitment not to recognize Tibet as part of China and not to support the independence of Tibet and the said bill. Do not sign.
Beijing said it would take tough measures to protect its sovereignty, security and development interests.