The United States State Department has called for the resumption of talks on the status of Tibet. In a recent report to the US Congress on Tibetan negotiations, the State Department says no formal talks have occurred between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Tibetan representatives since 2010, despite continued encouragement from the US for both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The report notes the US government’s concern that without direct negotiations, issues such as autonomy for Tibetans within China, human rights abuses, and the eradication of Tibet’s distinct cultural, linguistic, and religious identity will remain unresolved, undermining the long-term stability of the region.
The report details US efforts over the past year to resume negotiations. US officials, including President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken, have repeatedly called attention to China’s human rights abuses and have urged the Chinese government to respect the rights of Tibetans, including the right to freely practice their religion.
In December 2021, the US appointed Uzera Zeya as the new Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, responsible for promoting dialogue between the PRC and Tibet. Ms Zeya has met His Holiness the Dali Lama and other Tibetan representatives and has publicly expressed concern over PRC human rights abuses against the Tibetan people.
Some pro-Tibetan organisations, such as the International Campaign for Tibet, have urged Ms Zeya to be more proactive in her efforts to press the PRC back to the negotiating table.
The US State Department has reported to Congress on the status of Tibet each year since 2003 when the then President George W Bush stated that the lack of resolution to the Tibetan issue would remain an obstacle to further engagement between the US and China. Since then, subsequent administrations have continued reporting to Congress on US efforts to seek a resolution.
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