Dharamshala, 1st May: Uzra Zeya, the US special coordinator for Tibetan issues, is scheduled to travel to India next month to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and other senior leaders of the Tibetan government in exile in Dharamsala, as reported by the Times of India, demonstrating the Biden administration’s dedication to the Tibetan cause. It will be the first high-level meeting between the United States and the Tibetan spiritual leader since Joe Biden took office as President in January of last year.
The Biden administration’s policies, programs, and projects on Tibetan concerns have been coordinated by Zeya, the undersecretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights. According to the source stated above, she plans to visit Dharamshala, also known as ‘little Lhasa’, the place where His Holiness resides, from May 18 to 19. The visit has yet to be officially announced by the US government. According to reports, Zeya’s visit is being finalized in consultation with India.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken swore Zeya in as the undersecretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights on July 14 of last year. Secretary Blinken said on December 20 that she will act as the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues at the same time. Despite China’s strong opposition, the US has always supported the Tibetan cause.
The United States passed legislation in 2020 recognizing the Tibetan people’s absolute right to choose a successor to the Dalai Lama and the protection of Tibet’s environment. China accused the US Congress of interfering in its internal affairs after the bill was enacted. China has insisted that the next Dalai Lama be chosen on Chinese soil and that it have a say in the process.
Since 2010, His Holiness the Dalai Lama or his representatives have not met in formal consultations with Chinese government officials. The Dalai Lama has been accused by Beijing of engaging in “separatist” activities and attempting to divide Tibet in the past, and he is seen as a divisive figure. However, the Tibetan spiritual leader has stated that he doesn’t wish for an independent Tibet rather he is seeking for “middle way” approach to the Tibet issue.
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