After US delegation meets Dalai Lama, exiled Tibetan minister says, “Message to China is clear”

The US delegation led by Congressman Michael McCaul met Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at his residence on Wednesday.

Emphasising the importance of the visit, Dolma Gyari, security minister of the Tibetan parliament-in-exile, said, “I think the message to China is clear… that the freedom-loving nations of the world, people who promote peace and justice, support Tibet.” Gyari highlighted the symbolic importance of the timing, which coincides with the presence of the US congressional delegation accompanying the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala. “This is a strong message of support for the US Congress and those who stand for justice and the cause of the Tibetan people,” she said.

Reflecting on the auspiciousness of the visit, Gyari said, “What a wonderful coincidence it is. The event has coincided with many factors including the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala and the visit of the US Congressional delegation as well as the Oracle event.”

Expressing joy at the delegation's visit and its potential impact, Tenzin Leksey, spokesperson for the Tibetan government in exile, said, “This is a very proud moment for us. A high-level US congressional delegation has already met with His Holiness, followed by a public reception at the main temple courtyard.” Leksey underlined the delegation's support and solidarity, noting the progress of the Resolve Tibet Act in the US Congress, which awaits President Biden's signature. “This legislative support is important for us,” he affirmed.

Regarding China's response to international support for Tibet, Leksha remarked, “Whenever we take steps forward, China expresses unhappiness. They should reflect on their actions in Tibet over the past several decades, which have prioritized their own interests rather than meeting Tibetan aspirations.” He emphasized the need for a resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict to address the long-standing aspirations of the Tibetan people.

Lekshe also acknowledged India's important role in assisting Tibetan refugees and said, “India has been the best host to us and we are grateful to the Indian government and people. The Tibetan issue is not just a concern of Tibetans; India also has a stake in it and awareness among the Indian people is very important.”

The visit comes amid ongoing global attention to human rights issues in Tibet and growing international calls for dialogue and reconciliation. The Dalai Lama, a revered spiritual leader, has lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959.

The Congress delegation reached India on Tuesday.

Last week, the US Congress passed a bill urging Beijing to re-establish contact with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to peacefully resolve the dispute over the status and governance of Tibet.

It also urged China to begin talks with Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders about how to govern Tibet. There have been no formal talks between the two sides since 2010.