US Passed Resolve Tibet Act (GS Paper 2, IR)
Introduction
- On 30 June 2024, the United States Congress passed the Promoting a Resolution to Tibet-China Dispute Act, commonly known as the Resolve Tibet Act.
- This legislation aims to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China dispute in accordance with international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.
- The Act calls for dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives without preconditions.
Key Provisions of the Resolve Tibet Act 2024
Strengthening the US Position
- The Resolve Tibet Act is designed to bolster the US's stance on the Tibet issue, applying pressure on China to resume negotiations with the Dalai Lama.
- It seeks to enhance US support for Tibet and empower US State Department officials to actively counter disinformation propagated by the Chinese government.
Advocacy for Human Rights
- The Act underscores the Tibetan people's right to self-determination and human rights, highlighting China's obligations as a signatory of international human rights covenants.
- It also recognizes the distinct historical, cultural, religious, and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people.
International Community Involvement
- The Act aims to mobilize the international community to support justice and peace in Tibet, calling for negotiations "without preconditions" between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community.
Differences with Earlier Acts
- Unlike the Tibetan Policy Act (2002), which acknowledged China's claim over Tibet and encouraged dialogue with the Dalai Lama only in his spiritual capacity, the Resolve Tibet Act directly challenges China's territorial claim.
- It also goes further than the Tibetan Policy & Support Act (2020) by stipulating that negotiations should aim to resolve the differences between the parties.
India’s Relation with Tibet
Historical Context
- Younghusband Mission (1903-1904): A British military expedition to Tibet aimed at establishing a British presence and countering Russian influence, leading to the signing of the Lhasa Convention.
- Anglo-Russian Convention (1907): Settled colonial disputes and stipulated that Britain and Russia would only negotiate with Tibet through Chinese mediation.
Cultural and Religious Ties
- Despite the Sino-Russian treaty, India maintained close cultural and religious ties with Tibet, primarily through the spread of Buddhism and the presence of influential Buddhist monasteries.
Border Disputes
- The Indo-Tibetan border, especially in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, remains a significant point of contention between India and China.
- India's recognition of the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China since 2003, and its asylum to the Dalai Lama in 1959, further complicate the issue.
Background of the China-Tibet Dispute
Tibet’s Independence Claims
- Tibet, an autonomous region with a distinct culture and religion centered around Tibetan Buddhism, declared de facto independence in 1913.
- However, successive Chinese governments have claimed sovereignty over Tibet, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) establishing control in 1949.
Chinese Invasion and the Seventeen Point Agreement
- In 1951, the PLA invaded Tibet, leading to the signing of the Seventeen Point Agreement, which nominally guaranteed Tibetan autonomy while allowing Chinese military presence.
- The agreement is widely rejected by Tibetans as a forced occupation.
1959 Uprising and Aftermath
- The 1959 Tibetan uprising resulted in the Dalai Lama fleeing to India and the establishment of a government-in-exile in Dharamshala.
- Since then, China has tightened its control over Tibet, restricting freedoms and committing human rights abuses.
The Dalai Lama
Role and Significance
- The Dalai Lama, a spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is believed to be a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.
- The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th in the line.
Selection Process
- The selection of a Dalai Lama involves identifying the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, a process that includes rigorous spiritual and educational training for the chosen child.
- This search can take several years and is generally limited to Tibet.
Global Stand on China-Tibet Issue
China's Stance
- China claims Tibet as part of its territory since the 13th century and aims to develop the region, arguing that Tibet is an autonomous region with significant rights.
International Support
- While some Western countries support Tibetan autonomy and human rights, many countries, including India, do not recognize the Tibetan government-in-exile.
- International organizations, including the UN, have raised concerns about human rights abuses in Tibet.
Conclusion
- The Resolve Tibet Act represents a significant shift in US policy towards the Tibet-China dispute, emphasizing the need for genuine dialogue and the protection of Tibetan rights.
- This Act not only strengthens the US position but also seeks to mobilize the international community to support a peaceful resolution, highlighting the broader implications for regional stability and human rights.
