The United States has taken a significant step to support the Tibetan people by passing a new funding bill that allocates over $20 million towards Tibetan programs. This bill, endorsed by both parties in Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 23, aims to counteract China’s misleading claims about Tibet and promote negotiations with Tibetan leaders, according to International Campaign for Tibet.
The funding will enhance efforts in language preservation, environmental protection, and the support of Tibetan democracy in exile. Moreover, the legislation introduces a provision that bans federal spending on materials recognizing Tibet as part of China, pending a negotiated resolution regarding Tibet’s status.
China has controlled Tibet for more than 65 years, during which Tibet‘s freedom has drastically declined, receiving a freedom score of 0 out of 100 from Freedom House. The US is increasing pressure on China to engage in peaceful dialogue with Tibetan leaders to resolve the occupation of Tibet.
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Franz Matzner from the International Campaign for Tibet highlighted the importance of this bill, stating, “The United States has once again demonstrated its commitment to the Tibetan people… For those fighting for survival in Tibet, every dollar counts—and we are grateful for each one.”
Details of the funding include $10 million for NGOs working within Tibetan communities, $8 million to preserve Tibetan culture and language, and $5 million to strengthen the Central Tibetan Administration’s capacity, which serves as the government for Tibetans in exile.
The bill also takes a stand against China’s disinformation campaign and refusal to negotiate with Tibetan leaders by restricting spending on documents that recognize Tibet as a part of the People’s Republic of China. This measure remains effective until the US Secretary of State reports a final negotiated agreement on Tibet.
This legislation builds on previous US laws aimed at supporting Tibetans, such as the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018 and the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020. Furthermore, recent efforts include the introduction of the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act and a bipartisan resolution condemning China’s mass arrest of Tibetan protesters.
This ongoing support from the US underscores the commitment to assist the Tibetan people in their pursuit of freedom and cultural preservation amidst challenges.
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