Resolve Tibet Act

Resolve Tibet Act

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Why in news?

US President Joe Biden signed the Promoting a Resolution to Tibet-China Dispute Act, also known as the Resolve Tibet Act, calling for a peaceful resolution of the dispute Tibet, which Beijing refers to as Xizang.

Objectives of the Act

• Countering Misinformation: Act seeks to counter Chinese government misinformation regarding Tibet’s history, culture, and political status. It refutes Beijing’s claim that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times.
• Promotion of Dialogue: Act encourages substantive dialogue between the Chinese government and Dalai Lama and elected Tibetan leaders without preconditions, aiming for a settlement, without preconditions.
• Multilateral Efforts: The Act calls for the U.S. to work with other governments in multilateral efforts to support Tibet and its people.
• Human Rights Focus: The act emphasizes the Tibetan people’s right to self-determination and human rights.
• Geographical Definition:The Act clarifies that U.S. policy considers Tibet to include not just the Tibet Autonomous Region but also Tibetan areas within the Chinese provinces of Gansu, Qinghai, Sichuan, and Yunnan.

Differences from previous legislation

• Resolve Tibet Act is the third major U.S. legislation on Tibet after

1. Tibetan Policy Act (TPA) of 2002
2. Tibetan Policy and Support Act (TPSA) of 2020.

• Unlike its predecessors, the Resolve Tibet Act directly challenges China’s historical claims over Tibet.

India’s position:

India has refrained from making any strong statements regarding the Act.

History of the dispute over Tibet

• In 1950, the People’s Liberation Army of China invaded Tibet.
• In 1951, Tibetan leaders were forced to sign a treaty dictated by China, known as the Seventeen Point Agreement. Tibet was formally incorporated into the People’s Republic of China by the agreement.
• In 1959, a Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule led to the exile of the 14th Dalai Lama to India.

About Dalai Lama

Dalai Lama belongs to the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism

• There have been only 14 Dalai Lamas in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, and the first and second Dalai Lamas were given the title posthumously.
• The 14th and current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso.
• The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron saint of Tibet.