US President Biden Signs Law To Address China's Occupation of Tibet, Beijing Vows 'Firm Defence Measures'

US President Joe Biden has signed the Resolve Tibet Act, stressing the need to peacefully resolve the Tibet-China conflict according to international law. China has reacted strongly to the US's move.

The Biden administration urged China to engage in direct, unconditional dialogue with the Dalai Lama over the matter of Tibet's freedom.

Source : X/@AFP

US President Joe Biden on Friday, July 12, signed the 'Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act' (aka The Resolve Tibet Act), stressing that China's occupation of Tibet must be addressed in accordance with international law. He said a peaceful resolution to China's occupation of Tibet must be prioritised.

The Biden administration urged China to engage in direct, unconditional dialogue with the Dalai Lama to seek a negotiated settlement on the Tibet issue. 

Tencho Gyatso, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, remarked, "The Resolve Tibet Act cuts to the heart of China’s brutal treatment of the Tibetan people. To Tibetans, it is a statement of hope. To countries it is clarion call to support Tibet’s peaceful struggle for human rights & democratic freedoms."

“The Resolve Tibet Act cuts to the heart of China’s brutal treatment of the Tibetan people,” said Tencho Gyatso, President of ICT. “To Tibetans it is a statement of hope. To countries it is clarion call to support Tibet’s peaceful struggle for human rights & democratic freedoms.”

— International Campaign for Tibet (@SaveTibetOrg) July 13, 2024

The Dalai Lama has long advocated for genuine autonomy for Tibetans, aligning with international law that upholds the right to self-determination. The US Congress passed the ‘Resolve Tibet Act’ last month right before former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met the Dalai Lama in India.

The 'Resolve Tibet Act', officially called the ‘Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Conflict Act’, pledges US support in Tibet’s struggle for freedom and self-determination. The Act rejects Beijing’s claim that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times. The Act seeks to pursue dialogues between China and exiled Tibetan leaders, including the Dalai Lama, without any conditions.

Reacting to the decision, the Leader of the Tibetan government in exile Penpa Tshering said: "I am rejoiced to hear that President Joe Biden has signed the Resolve Tibet Act into law. On the final day of my Jangthang tour, overlooking Tibet across the border, this news fills me with renewed hope. Heartfelt thanks to the President of the US for this significant step forward in solidifying the US’s stance on Tibet’s historical status & its commitment to a lasting, negotiated solution to the Tibet-China conflict through nonviolent means based on international law."

"I also wish to reiterate our gratitude to the US Congress & our friends in Congress. Please accept heartfelt prayers of gratitude from the Tibetan people, especially those inside occupied Tibet, who will rejoice in the renewed hope and inspiration that today's victory brings to their hearts. May the just cause of Tibet prevail. May nonviolence & truth prevail," he posted on X.

I am rejoiced to hear that President Joe Biden has signed the Resolve Tibet Act into law. On the final day of my Jangthang tour, overlooking Tibet across the border, this news fills me with renewed hope. Heartfelt thanks to @POTUS for this significant step forward 1/3

— Sikyong Penpa Tsering (@SikyongPTsering) July 13, 2024

What Does China Say About The Law?

China has called the 'Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act' a violation of the "US government’s long-held position and commitments and the basic norms governing international relations". The Chinese Foreign Ministry in a statement on Saturday said the Act "grossly interferes in China’s domestic affairs, undermines China’s interests, and sends a severely wrong signal to the 'Tibet independence' forces. China firmly opposes it and has protested to the US side."

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"Xizang (Tibet) has been part of China since ancient times. Xizang affairs are China’s internal affairs which brook no interference by any external forces. Xizang today enjoys social stability and harmony, with sound economic performance and people’s well-being well protected. Xizang is making fresh progress in effectively running its society, maintaining social stability, and achieving high-quality development. No one and no force should ever attempt to destabilize Xizang to contain and suppress China. Such attempts will never succeed," the statement read.

It called on the US to take "honour its commitments of recognizing Xizang as part of China and not support Tibet's independence movement". "The US must not implement the Act. If the US continues down the wrong path, China will take resolute measures to firmly defend its sovereignty, security and development interests," it further read.