New Delhi: Amid escalating tensions between the United States and China, Beijing has expressed strong opposition to the meeting between Uzra Zeya, a senior official in the Joe Biden administration focused on human rights, and the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet, in the capital city. China firmly objects to this meeting and has called on Washington to cease its interference in China’s internal affairs under the guise of Tibet-related issues.
In a tweet, Wang Xiaojian, the spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, stated, “The US should take concrete actions to honour its commitment of acknowledging Xizang as part of China, stop meddling in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of Xizang-related issues, and offer no support to the anti-China separatist activities of the Dalai clique.”
“Xizang (Tibet) affairs are purely internal affairs of China, and no external forces have the right to interfere. China firmly opposes any form of contact between foreign officials and the ‘Tibetan independence’ forces,” the Chinese spokesperson added.
These objections arise following Uzra Zeya’s meeting with the Dalai Lama during her visit to India, as reported by the Central Tibetan Administration, a non-profit political organisation representing the Tibetan government in exile.
The spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy criticised the appointment of Uzra Zeya as the special coordinator for Tibet issues, describing it as a “pure offence” and a political manoeuvre to “interfere in China’s internal affairs” and undermine the development and stability of Tibet. Wang Xiaojian also referred to the Dalai Lama as an anti-China separatist.
The US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues is currently on a 7-day visit to India and Bangladesh, scheduled from July 8 to 14. The US Department of State previously stated that during her visit to India, she would meet with senior government officials to discuss strengthening the enduring partnership between the US and India, including addressing global challenges, promoting democracy, ensuring regional stability, and cooperating on humanitarian relief efforts.
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