A bipartisan group of US senators introduced legislation to deepen engagement with Tibet’s government-in-exile and ensure US support continues after the death of the 14th Dalai Lama. The ‘Assuring the Future of Tibet Act’ will recognize the Central Tibetan Administration as the legitimate representative of the Tibetan people. It would also confirm that resolution of the Tibet-China dispute is in America’s strategic interest.
Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley and Republican Senator Jim Risch introduced this bill. Senators Jackie Rosen, Todd Young, Tim Kaine and Rick Scott are its original co-sponsors. Merkley said, “The human rights and basic dignity of the Tibetan people cannot be ignored. Our bipartisan bill sends a clear message that the United States will stand with Tibet in its fight for these basic freedoms and the promise of a future.”
He further said, “The United States will not abandon the Tibetan people so long as the People’s Republic of China continues to ignore Tibet’s rights under international law.” The bill would direct the US Secretary of State to engage at the most senior level with Sikyong, the elected head of the Central Tibetan Administration, and other designated representatives.
Under this, Washington will have to advocate for observer status for administration in the United Nations and equal access to the UN system. This proposal also calls for including it in relevant international organizations and uniting American allies for this effort.
Republican Senator Jim Risch said, “The Chinese Communist Party has tried to destroy Tibetan culture, religion and language, as well as many other serious things. What Beijing has done to Tibet, they intend to do to those who oppose the CCP.”
He added, “This bill supports the Tibetan people, who are vital allies in resisting China’s dictatorship, and counters China’s influence at the United Nations.”
Under this law the Sikyong (head of the Tibetan administration) will be given appropriate diplomatic respect. It may also include security arrangements equivalent to those provided to the head of government. It also calls for consideration of privileges and immunities for officials of the Tibetan administration.
In this proposal, ‘Gaden Phodrang Trust’ has been described as the only institution that recognizes the Dalai Lama. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that US support for the Tibetan religious leadership continues after the current Dalai Lama.
Tencho Gyatso, president of the International Campaign for Tibet, welcomed the move and called for it to be passed as soon as possible. She said, “At a time when China is accelerating its campaign to erase Tibetan identity, this bill sends a strong message that America’s support for the right of the Tibetan people and their democratic institutions to decide their own future is unwavering.”
The Senate proposal is a companion proposal to a House bill introduced on May 22 by Democratic Representative Jim McGovern and Republican Representative Michael McCaul. Before being sent to the President, both the proposals will have to be passed in the same form by their respective houses.
Congress has passed several bipartisan Tibet-related measures over the past decade, including the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act, and the Resolve Tibet Act. The last resort supported Tibetan self-determination and called for negotiations between Chinese authorities and the Dalai Lama for a peaceful solution.