The United States bowing to geopolitical imperatives, in a significant Congress Legislation, has pushed China Occupied Tibet into global consciousness which not only defines Tibet's geographical boundaries but also debunks China's 'historical claims' of sovereignty over Tibet.
In a bipartisan move, passed overwhelmingly by both Houses of the US Congress the "Promoting a Resolution of the Tibet-China Conflict Act 2024" milestone and historic. The Bill now has gone to President Joe Biden for signature,
The Act is exhaustive, and for purposes of this Paper, the most significant observations which have geopolitical consequences, have been lifted from the Act, and produced verbatim:
- "Tibet including those areas incorporated into the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Yunan, Gansu and Qinghai, is an Occupied Territory, contrary to principles of international law".
- Tibet's true representatives are the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government-in-exile as recognized by the Tibetan people".
- Tibet has remained throughout history, a distinctive and sovereign national, cultural and religious identity, separate from that of China except during short periods of illegal occupation, has maintained a separate and sovereign political and national identity."
- "The United States Government has never taken the position that Tibet is part of China since ancient times or that the means by what the Government Peoples Republic of China came to exert effective control over Tibet was consistent with international law or included the force of meaningful consent of the Tibetan people."
- Claims made by the officials of Peoples Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party that Tibet has been a part of China since ancient times are false."
- The Government of Peoples Republic of China has failed to meet the expectations of the United States to engage in meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama or representatives towards a peaceful settlement of the unresolved conflict between Tibet and the Peoples Republic of China."
- "United States public diplomacy should counter disinformation about Tibet from the Government of Peoples Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party, including disinformation about the history of Tibet, the Tibetan people and the Tibetan institutions, including that of the Dalai Lama."
- Tibet's territorial and international status as Tibet is not confined to what China Terms as Tibet Autonomous Region but extends to include Tibetan Areas in China's neighboring areas stated above.
- Tibet throughout its history (excepting spells of Chinese Occupation) has remained a distinctive political 'sovereign' entity.
- United States 'has never taken position that Tibet is part of China' as claimed by China and Chinese Communist Party. US dismisses China's historical assertions in this regard. (US documents from 1919 to date have been cited)
- United States long-standing policy that Tibet-China Conflict has to be resolved by China in negotiations with The Dalai Lama or his representatives, 'without any pre-conditions.'