U.S. Officials’ Meeting with Dalai Lama Sparks Strong Protest from China

China lodged a strong protest against the United States on Thursday after a high-ranking Biden administration official, Uzra Zeya, met with the Dalai Lama in New York. Zeya, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, and Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, visited the Tibetan spiritual leader to convey President Joe Biden’s greetings and to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to supporting Tibetan human rights and cultural preservation. The meeting comes as the Dalai Lama, 89, is recuperating in New York following knee replacement surgery in June.

This visit marks the first time in several years that a top U.S. official has met with the Dalai Lama in the United States. According to a statement from the U.S. Department of State, Zeya’s meeting with the Dalai Lama reiterated Washington’s support for the Tibetan community and emphasized the need to preserve Tibet’s unique historical, linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage. Zeya also mentioned the U.S. support for resuming dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama to address issues related to the status and governance of Tibet, which have been stalled since 2010.

China reacted strongly to the meeting, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemning the Dalai Lama as a “political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.” She further stated that China “firmly opposes any country allowing the Dalai Lama to visit under any pretext,” and that Beijing has lodged a formal protest with the U.S. government. Mao urged Washington to respect China’s core interests and to cease any form of contact with the Dalai Lama, whom China considers a divisive figure advocating for Tibetan independence.

The Dalai Lama has been a controversial figure for China since he fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet. Beijing considers Tibet an inalienable part of its territory and views the Dalai Lama’s advocacy for greater Tibetan autonomy as separatist activity. Despite his calls for non-violence and dialogue, the Chinese government has long accused him of promoting Tibetan independence under the guise of religious leadership.

The recent meeting between Zeya and the Dalai Lama comes just months after President Biden signed the “Resolve Tibet Act” into law, which calls for greater U.S. support for dialogue between the Dalai Lama and China. The legislation urges Beijing to resume direct talks with the Dalai Lama to reach a peaceful resolution regarding Tibet’s future. China strongly opposed the act, describing it as a destabilizing move that interferes with its internal affairs.

Beijing has also expressed frustration over the appointment of Zeya as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, a position it claims constitutes interference in China’s sovereignty. According to Mao, China has never recognized this role and views it as an attempt by the U.S. to meddle in its domestic matters.

In addition to Zeya, White House human rights director Kelly Razzouk also met with the Dalai Lama in New York. The U.S. officials reaffirmed their support for the Tibetan leader and reiterated America’s commitment to advancing human rights for Tibetans. In response, China reiterated its opposition to any form of engagement with the Dalai Lama by foreign governments and warned the U.S. against allowing him to conduct what it considers separatist activities on American soil.

This diplomatic spat underscores the long-standing tensions between the U.S. and China over Tibet, an issue that remains a sensitive topic in Sino-American relations. The Dalai Lama’s presence in New York and his meeting with U.S. officials have added another layer of complexity to these relations, particularly as Washington continues to support Tibetan autonomy and human rights.

As the Dalai Lama continues his recovery in New York, the Chinese government remains vigilant in its stance against any foreign engagement with the Tibetan leader. Beijing’s latest protest against the U.S. reflects its unwavering position on Tibet and highlights the broader geopolitical struggle over influence and human rights between the world’s two largest economies.