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.
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.
In hardening the language around Washington’s position on Tibet, the bill’s backers hope to pressure Beijing into resuming negotiations with the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. The two sides have not held a formal dialogue since 2010.
Beijing contends that Tibet has remained under central Chinese rule for over 700 years, despite extended periods in which Tibetan campaigners argue that the region was effectively self-governed.
The Dalai Lama has said that he does not seek political independence for Tibet, but has not recognised Beijing’s historical claim over Tibet.
In April, China’s foreign ministry reasserted that any contact or talks with the spiritual leader would concern his “personal future” or, at most, that of his close associates, and not the question of Tibetan autonomy.
The bill’s authors argue that the Chinese government is “systematically suppressing” the ability of Tibetans to preserve their religion, culture, language, history, way of life, and environment, and assert that the Tibetan people have a right to “self-determination”.