‘People of Tibet Seek Freedom’: US Delegation Meets Dalai Lama, Criticises China

A US congressional delegation met the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala on Wednesday, reaffirming support for the Tibetan people and raising concerns over China’s human rights record and alleged transnational repression.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast said China and the freedom of Tibetans were among the principal issues discussed with the spiritual leader.

“Certainly China was among top issues, the freedom of the people of Tibet, his representation of freedom across the globe just as we believe that the United States of America is representation of freedom across the globe. We discussed a great many things,” Mast told reporters after the meeting.

Mast Raises Concerns Over Repression

Mast alleged that China’s efforts to silence or intimidate people extended beyond its borders.

“The threat from China in terms of transnational repression is far-reaching. China will reach anywhere they can. They’ve proven that,” he said.

He also drew a distinction between Washington and Beijing on freedom, democracy and the role of government in protecting individual rights.

“We believe in freedom and democracy for all of our people, that people are born with certain inalienable rights, that the government is not meant to provide them but protect them,” Mast said, linking those principles to the aspirations of Tibetans.

Dalai Lama Supports Trump–Xi Meeting, Says Mast

Mast said the Dalai Lama considered a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping important.

“His Holiness believed that it was important that President Trump meet with Xi Jinping. They are two leaders of the world’s biggest and strongest countries across the globe. So yes, it’s very important, and it should happen,” he said.

Such engagement, Mast added, would not diminish concerns over China’s treatment of Tibetans and Uyghurs.

“It doesn’t take away in any way from believing that China should not be repressing its people, should not be repressing the Tibetan people or the Uyghur people, but rather working to embrace freedom and support freedom across the globe,” he said.

‘We Will Not Forget the Story of the Tibetans’

Congresswoman Haley Stevens said the visit sought to draw attention to the plight of Tibetans and demonstrate support for their freedom.

“We will not forget the story of the Tibetans. We will not forget the power of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, what it means to have peace and democracy,” she told ANI.

Delegation member James Gallagher called for self-determination and protection of religious and cultural freedoms.

“Stop oppressing your people and allow everyone to live free. Allow for self-determination, for freedom of religion, for freedom of culture,” he said when asked for a message to China.

Congressman Jimmy Patronis praised the 91-year-old Dalai Lama’s wisdom and strength, describing them as important to the delegation’s efforts and continuing dialogue with Beijing.

The delegation arrived in Dharamshala on Tuesday and was scheduled to leave on Wednesday after completing its visit.

With inputs from ANI