The measure is contained in the draft budget for 2021. China responds: Washington is violating our sovereignty; the "reincarnation" of the Dalai Lama must take place in compliance with our laws. Ban on China opening new consulates in the US until it allows Washington to establish a diplomatic mission in Tibet.
Washington (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The US Congress yesterday approved a law that obliges the government to impose economic sanctions and travel restrictions on Chinese officials who interfere in the succession of Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The provision is contained in the budget for 2021, which must be signed by President Donald Trump before entering into force.
For China, the Tibet Policy and Support Act is a violation of its sovereignty that fuels Tibetan independence. The Chinese regime argues that the "reincarnation" of the Dalai Lama must take place in compliance with the laws of the country.
For more than 25 years, the Beijing leadership has kept the Panchen Lama at an unknown location. The monk, considered the "number 2" of Tibetan Buddhism, is important among other things because he has the task of recognizing the new rebirth of the Dalai Lama, after his death.
The Tibet bill prohibits China from opening new consulates in the US until it allows Washington to establish a diplomatic seat in Tibet. The US budget law also stipulates that state pandemic bailout funds cannot go to companies linked to Chinese entities.
Congress has also told the executive to verify whether the treatment of Xinjiang Uyghur Muslims by the Beijing authorities constitutes a crime against humanity, and to assess the activities of Chinese security organs in Hong Kong in an annual report.