Senate Committee Approves Bipartisan Bill On Tibet Resolution

DHARAMSALA/WASHINGTON, DC (IANS) – The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) on April 17 applauded the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s approval of the Resolve Tibet Bill, an effort of the US to push the Chinese government to resolve the longstanding Tibet-China dispute through dialogue with Tibetan leaders.

The bipartisan legislation also aims to counter disinformation propagated by the Chinese government regarding Tibet including the fabricated narratives about Tibet’s history, culture, people, and institutions including that of the Dalai Lama.

The bill approved by the SFRC is a revised iteration of the legislation initially presented by Senators Jeff Merkley and Todd Young, and also by Representatives Jim McGovern and Michael McCaul in the House.

Following its approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the bill is now slated to proceed to the Senate floor.

Namgyal Choedup, a representative of Office of Tibet, North America, said: “Tibetans hold the US Congress in high regard and are always grateful for the support of the American people. With today’s vote, the United States is once again showing that it is the leader on the international stage when it comes to advancing the just cause of the Tibetans.

“We thank the members of the committee for moving the Resolve Tibet Act to the Senate floor, and we call on the Senate to pass this bill without delay.”

Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) President Penpa Tsering has embarked on his official endeavors in Washington DC since April 15.

During the bill introduction, Senator Merkley stated: “The People’s Republic of China continues to ignore the basic rights of the Tibetan people, and the status quo is not tenable. The Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act sends a straightforward message to the Chinese government: stop spreading disinformation about Tibet and its history and enter sincere negotiations over Tibet’s status.”

International Campaign for Tibet President Tencho Gyatso said: “We look forward to seeing this bill signed into law by the president. China needs to get back to negotiations with Tibetan leaders, and this bill will raise the diplomatic pressure on China significantly.”