Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other members of the Congressional delegation visited the Dalai Lama Temple on Wednesday to hold a meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader. Disciples of the Dalai Lama were observed within the temple complex during the visit.

US Republican Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, led a bipartisan delegation from the United States. They were greeted by officials from the Central Tibetan Administration upon their arrival at Kangra Airport in Himachal Pradesh.

Ahead of the American delegation's meeting with the Dalai Lama, Dolma Tsering Teykhang, Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, expressed that the visit by US lawmakers demonstrates solidarity with Tibet.

Teykhang emphasised that the delegation's presence signifies an appreciation for Tibetan culture and a commitment to human rights. She underscored the importance of the forthcoming official meeting, stating it conveys a strong message of support for Tibet's cause and the broader pursuit of human rights and freedom.

Regarding China's policies under Xi Jinping, Teykhang remarked that the delegation's visit sends a significant message to those affected by China's intimidation and expansionist agenda. She highlighted the visit as a symbolic stance against such practices.

Critiquing China's authoritarian policies, Dolma Tsering Teykhang stated that Beijing reacts negatively to anyone who supports Tibet.

She clarified that the intention of the US representatives and senators visiting Tibet was not to provoke or embarrass China but rather to show solidarity with Tibet's cause. Teykhang affirmed that support would be extended when truth prevails and when China rectifies its policies concerning Tibet.

Earlier this week, the US Congress passed a bill urging Beijing to resume dialogue with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders to peacefully resolve their disagreements over Tibet's status and governance. Known as the 'Resolve Tibet Act' or 'Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act', the legislation has been approved by the US House of Representatives and is awaiting President Joe Biden's signature to become law, as reported by Radio Free Asia.

The legislation rejects China's historical claims that Tibet has always been part of its territory and calls on Beijing to stop spreading misinformation about Tibet's history, people, and institutions, including those associated with the Dalai Lama.

The 'Resolve Tibet Act', recently passed by Congress and awaiting President Joe Biden's signature urges Beijing to initiate discussions with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders regarding governance in Tibet. Formal talks between the two sides have not occurred since 2010.

Former US House Speaker Pelosi expressed excitement upon her arrival in Dharamshala, stating, "It's very exciting to be here." Notably, Pelosi's visit to Taiwan in 2022 had strained US-China relations.

Chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, confirmed President Biden's intention to sign the 'Resolve Tibet Act'. McCaul highlighted the bill's importance in urging Beijing to engage in peaceful dialogue with Tibetan leaders to resolve governance issues with China.

In response to the US delegation's visit to Dharamshala, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed serious concerns during a recent press conference. Lin urged the US to acknowledge the Dalai Lama's group as separatist and to refrain from sending misleading signals to the international community.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed grave concern over reports of the US delegation's visit to Tibetan institutions in Dharamshala, stating that the Dalai Lama engages in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion. China urged the US to recognise this nature, honour commitments related to Tibet (Xizang), avoid contact with the Dalai Lama, and refrain from sending misleading signals globally.

Image source: ANI