US Sends Subtle Message to China While Wishing Dalai Lama on 90th Birthday.
The United States on Saturday extended warm birthday wishes to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday, while also reaffirming support for Tibetans’ right to choose their religious leaders “without interference” — a veiled but pointed message aimed at China.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement released by the Department of State, praised the Tibetan spiritual leader for his message of “unity, peace, and compassion,” and underscored Washington’s commitment to defending the cultural and religious freedoms of the Tibetan people.
Without directly naming China, Rubio emphasized, “The United States remains firmly committed to promoting respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Tibetans. We support efforts to preserve Tibetans’ distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage, including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.”
The message contrasts with China’s longstanding claim of authority over the selection of the next Dalai Lama — a process it insists must follow historical customs from the imperial era, under Beijing’s supervision.
The Chinese government responded to recent birthday celebrations for the Dalai Lama held in Dharamshala, where Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu were in attendance. China urged India to honor its position on Tibet, calling the Dalai Lama an “anti-China separatist” and asking India to “act with caution” on Tibet-related matters.
Rijiju had earlier said that “only His Holiness the Dalai Lama or the institution established by him has the right to decide on his successor. No other entity, including governments, can interfere in that process.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs distanced itself from the religious aspects of the debate, stating that the government does not comment on “beliefs and practices of faith and religion.”
The US statement, though diplomatically worded, reinforces its support for Tibetan autonomy in spiritual matters, even as tensions between the US, China, and India continue to simmer over the region’s future.
Comments are closed.