The Status of Negotiations Between the Dalai Lama’s Representatives and the Chinese Government

The United States considers Tibet to be part of the People's Republic of China. Our goals are two-fold: to promote a substantive dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives, and to help sustain Tibet's unique religious, linguistic, and cultural heritage. In 2002, under the leadership of Chairman Lantos and former Chairman Hyde, the Congress passed the Tibet Policy Act, which supports the Tibetan people and safeguards their unique identity.

As Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, I work to ensure that the Tibet Policy Act is fully carried out and I remain deeply involved in all aspects of our Tibet policy. I meet regularly with representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Dalai Lama himself. In fact, in November 2006, I traveled to Dharamsala, India to see him. These candid exchanges provide an opportunity to hear directly from the Dalai Lama on the status of the dialogue, the human rights situation in Tibet, and needs of Tibetan refugees.

As this committee is aware, 2002 also marked the year that representatives of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese leadership reestablished contact, the first time in 20 years. They began a series of discussions, the fifth and most recent occurring in February 2006 in China. The United States Government has urged China, at the highest levels, to continue these discussions. We have also encouraged China to meet directly with the Dalai Lama. A full report of our exchanges is provided in the congressionally mandated Tibetan Negotiations Report.

At the outset, we were greatly encouraged by the promise of these discussions. However, recently, we have become more concerned that they have not produced results. In the past year, the dialogue has not advanced. The Chinese Government has ramped up negative rhetoric and there are no indications from Beijing that they are prepared to engage on issues of concern to us or the international community.

There are over 100 Tibetan political prisoners in jail for expressing their peaceful views. Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the boy recognized by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama, remains incommunicado. And the completion of the railroad linking Lhasa to mainland China is increasing Han migration and having a harmful impact on Tibet's fragile environment.

Most recently, the People's Armed Police opened fire at a group of Tibetans near the border of Nepal, killing a 17-year-old nun and capturing at least three dozen others. The Chinese official media asserted that the People's Armed Police shot in self-defense, but a Romanian film crew who happened to be in the area has proof to the contrary. Our Ambassador to China and others in the U.S. Government, including many Senators and Representatives, have repeatedly asked for an explanation. So far, none has been provided.

President Bush and Secretary Rice continue to urge Chinese officials directly to engage in substantive dialogues with the Dalai Lama or his representatives. The President met with the Dalai Lama during his last visit to Washington in November of 2005 and expressed his continued strong support for the Tibetan people and for their religious freedom. Later that month, the President traveled to China and met with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao. In their meetings, the President highlighted the importance of religious freedom and human rights and urged direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama.

President Bush said "He thought it would be wise for the Chinese Government to invite the Dalai Lama to China so that he can tell them exactly what he told me in the White House, that he has no desire for an independent Tibet." He again encouraged the continuation of dialogue with the Dalai Lama during his April 2006 meeting with President Hu. Secretary Rice reiterated this appeal during her October 2006 trip to China and just last week, Deputy Secretary John Negroponte also raised our concerns.While the Chinese have yet to respond positively, we will continue to urge them to allow the visit as a way of building trust between the two sides.

The Administration's vision and hope is for China to be a responsible stakeholder in the global system. We seek to identify those areas in which we have a common interest and where we differ. We also encourage China to understand our concerns and alter its behavior in ways that will advance not only our interests and those of the international community, but China's own.

China's positions on human rights and democracy are examples of areas in which we do not see eye to eye, but continue to seek candid and frank discussions. As National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley said on the eve of President Hu's April visit to Washington, "If China wishes to become a responsible stakeholder, China should match its expansion of economic freedom with the expansion of political freedom. China's leaders need to see that they cannot let their population increasingly experience the freedom to buy, sell, and produce while denying them the right to assemble, speak, and worship."

In conclusion, despite the lack of progress, we remain staunchly committed to these objectives. In recent years, we have seen a continued crackdown on civil society in China, revealing the unease Chinese leaders have manifested across the country, not just in Tibet. Officials in Beijing have expressed concern about possible unrest in China and their Tibet policy is part of their broader concerns. As China's role on the international stage grows and as the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, Beijing should begin to live up to the obligations expected of a global stakeholder and international leader.

Beijing may find that a more enlightened policy toward Tibet would be an important step toward enhancing and complimenting the respect it has earned from economic transformation. President Bush said Chinese leaders -- China's leaders will discover that freedom is indivisible, that social and religious freedom is also essential to national greatness and national dignity. It is in China's self-interest to diffuse tensions in Tibet by moderating their repressive and assimilationist policies, by substantively engaging the Dalai Lama or his representatives, and by inviting the Dalai Lama to China.

The Dalai Lama seeks to resolve longstanding differences with the Chinese. His position has been consistent and clear. He wants genuine autonomy for Tibet, not independence. Moreover, he can be an asset to the difficult challenge of regional and national stability. He indisputably represents the opinion of most Tibetans and his moral authority transcends Tibetan interests. In March 1959, 48 years ago this month, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet. It is my great hope that Chinese leaders take this opportunity to pursue a negotiated statement with the Dalai Lama -- settlement with the Dalai Lama that provides the next generation with peace, prosperity, and stability.