China demands Dalai Lama to alter political stance for talks; urges US to respect Tibet sensitivities

President Joe Biden is set to sign the Resolve Tibet bill, which encourages talks between Tibetan leaders and China to resolve their governance issues. This bill has drawn a strong reaction from China. On Thursday, China asked the Dalai Lama to reconsider and correct his political views if he wants to have talks with Beijing. Additionally, China urged the US to respect its concerns regarding Tibet.

China's stance

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China's policy on contacting the Dalai Lama remains consistent. He emphasized that the Dalai Lama must completely correct his political stance. This comment came after a high-profile US Congressional delegation visited Dharamsala, meeting with the Dalai Lama and criticizing China's Tibet policy.

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The visit occurred just as President Biden prepared to sign the Tibet policy bill, which has already passed both the US Senate and House of Representatives. This bill aims to counter China's narrative about its control over Tibet and promotes dialogue between Beijing and the Dalai Lama.

US support for Tibet

Beijing has warned President Biden against signing the bill, threatening "resolute measures" in response. Chinese officials have also criticized the Tibetan government-in-exile for using the new US legislation to pressure China into negotiations.

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US lawmakers, including Michael McCaul and Nancy Pelosi, supported Tibet’s right to self-determination and religious freedom. They defied warnings from China’s Communist Party, stating that Tibet is not part of China and emphasizing the distinct cultural and historic identity of Tibetans. The delegation visited the Dalai Lama, who expressed his wish for global peace and happiness. 

At a ceremony, McCaul stated that the US delegation ignored warnings from the CCP, affirming Tibetans' right to determine their future and practice their religion freely. He expressed hope that one day the Dalai Lama and Tibetans will return to their homeland in peace, criticizing China for attempting to erase Tibetan culture and interfere in the succession process of the Dalai Lama.