US lawmakers pass Tibet policy bill that questions China’s claims over region

Bill that frames Beijing’s control over Tibet for centuries as ‘disinformation’ will head to President Joe Biden’s desk

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Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama (centre) greets a guest at the Tsuglakhang temple in Dharamshala, India, on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Published: 11:29pm, 12 Jun 2024Updated: 1:05am, 13 Jun 2024

A bipartisan bill seeking to counter Beijing’s narrative about China’s control over Tibet and promote dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama is heading to US President Joe Biden’s desk.

The House of Representatives voted 391-26 on Wednesday to approve the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act, which passed the Senate last month.

The bill, introduced in the Senate by Oregon Democrat Jeff Merkley, would direct funds to counter what it calls “disinformation” from Beijing about Tibet’s history, people and institutions.

The bill refutes the Chinese government’s claim that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times, and would make it US policy that the dispute over Tibet’s status is unresolved.

A shepherd rides a motorbike on the shore of Lake Gomang in Tibet. Photo: Shutterstock

It would also make it US policy that “Tibet” refers not only to the Tibet autonomous region as defined by the Chinese government, but also Tibetan areas of Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

“Passing this bill demonstrates America’s resolve that the [Chinese Communist Party] status quo in Tibet is not acceptable and I can think of no greater message or gift to the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet,” said Republican representative Michael McCaul of Texas on the House floor Tuesday.