-By International Campaign for Tibet
The bill that President Joe Biden signed into law today to fund the US government also expands US support for the Tibetan people, including by challenging China’s occupation of Tibet and strengthening US calls for dialogue on Tibet’s future.
“By passing this bill, the US is making it clear that Tibet plays a critical role in its strategic competition with China,” said Franz Matzner, government relations director of the International Campaign for Tibet, an advocacy group that promotes human rights and democratic freedoms for the Tibetan people.
“Like Ukraine—which this bill also increases US support for—Tibet was invaded by a more powerful, authoritarian neighbor, and today, Tibet is the least-free country on Earth in a tie with South Sudan and Syria, according to the latest rankings from Freedom House. This legislation provides the Tibetan people with resources they need to continue their peaceful struggle and sends a strong message to the Chinese government that it cannot maintain the status quo in Tibet and must resolve the Tibetan issue through dialogue.”
Matzner added that the bill continues the US’ long tradition of bipartisan support for Tibet and the Dalai Lama. Click here to read more.