Beijing/Washington D.C.: China today reacted strongly over the US Department of State’s decision to designate a new “Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues”, claiming that it “interferes in China’s internal affairs”.
“We firmly oppose it and never recognize it,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters in Beijing.
The United States claims this designation demonstrates the Administration’s commitment to advance the human rights of Tibetans, help preserve their distinct heritage, address their humanitarian needs, and meet environmental and water resource challenges of the Tibetan plateau.
Claiming that Tibetan affairs are purely China’s domestic affairs that brook no interference by any foreign force, China urged the US to abide by its commitment of recognizing Tibet as part of China and not supporting “Tibet independence” with concrete actions, and stop using Tibet-related issues to meddle in China’s domestic affairs.
“The Chinese side will continue to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests,” Lijian said.
On December 20, 2021, the US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had designated Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Uzra Zeya to serve concurrently as the United States Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues with immediate effect. Blinken had described it as “an important role”.
Following her designation, Zeya’s task would be to coordinate U.S. government policies, programs, and projects concerning Tibetan issues, consistent with America’s Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, as amended by the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020.
“Specifically, she will promote substantive dialogue, without preconditions, between the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Dalai Lama, his representatives, or democratically elected Tibetan leaders in support of a negotiated agreement on Tibet,” Blinken had announced.
Zeya would also promote “respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms” of Tibetans, including their freedom of religion or belief, and would support efforts to preserve their distinct historical, linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage. She would further support US efforts to address the humanitarian needs of Tibetan refugees and diaspora communities, including those in the United States who have faced threats and intimidation instigated by China.
“She also will promote activities to protect the environment and sustainably manage the water and other natural resources of the Tibetan plateau. Consistent with the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, she also will seek to increase access to Tibet for U.S. officials, journalists, and other citizens,” Blinken had stated.
– global bihari bureau
