On July 12, 2024, US President Joe Biden signed into law S. 138, the “Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act” (the “Act”). The act, popularly known as the Resolve Tibet Act, aims at promoting a peaceful resolution to the ongoing occupation of Tibet by China. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage of the Tibetan people. The Resolve Tibet Act calls on China to engage in direct dialogue, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama or his representatives to seek a settlement that resolves differences and leads to a negotiated agreement on Tibet. The Act does not alter the long-standing US policy of recognizing the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas of China as part of the People’s Republic of China. The signing of this act marks a significant milestone in the efforts to address the human rights violations faced by Tibetans and to support their quest for autonomy and self-determination.
The Resolve Tibet Act has received widespread support from various groups advocating for the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people. It is seen as a crucial step towards addressing China’s repressive policies towards Tibet and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The Act emphasizes the distinct identity of Tibetans and recognizes their right to self-determination as per international law. The provisions of the Act empower Tibet to counter misinformation spread by the Chinese government and reject false claims about Tibet’s historical status. It also promotes dialogue between China and the Dalai Lama as a means to reach a negotiated agreement on Tibet.
The signing of the Resolve Tibet Act has been welcomed by the Central Tibetan Administration and other organizations working towards Tibetan independence. The Act represents a firm commitment by the US government to support the rights and freedoms of the Tibetan people and to challenge China’s oppressive policies in the region. Organizations like Students for a Free Tibet have hailed the signing of the Act as a significant victory for the Tibetan cause and a step towards amplifying the voices of Tibetans seeking freedom and independence. The Resolve Tibet Act is a testament to the bipartisan commitment of the US Congress and the Biden administration to stand in solidarity with the Tibetan people in their struggle for self-determination and human rights.
