Transnational repression from China far-reaching: US Congressman after meeting Dalai Lama
Dharamshala : Days after Chinese President Xi Jinping ’s state visit to the United States, a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress , led by Brian Mast , chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , met the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamshala on Wednesday and reaffirmed support for the Tibetan people and the preservation of their cultural and religious identity. In a strongly worded message, the delegation said that China cannot manufacture the next Dalai Lama and that the Tibetans must be free to determine their own religious future.
The delegation included Brian Mast, James Gallagher, Jimmy Patronis, Haley Stevens and Shrinivas Prasad Thanedar. Congressman Brian Mast delivered a stark warning about Beijing’s plans for the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, saying, “If that means abducting somebody, they will do it. If that means abducting a whole family, they will do it. If that means naming their own lama, they will do it.” Mast pointed to China’s alleged past abductions of individuals connected to the succession process, saying they were “never seen again.” Mast said the threat of transnational repression from China was far-reaching, alleging that Beijing could extend such activities to any other country.
Mast said that China and the freedom of the Tibetan people were among the top issues discussed during the meeting. “Certainly, China was among the top issues, the freedom of the people of Tibet, his representation of freedom across the globe, just as we believe that the United States is a representation of freedom across the globe. We discussed a great many things,” Mast said. He also said the Dalai Lama believes the US President meeting with the Chinese President would not affect concerns over the treatment of Tibetans. “His Holiness believed that it was important that President Trump meet with Xi Jinping. They are two leaders of the world’s biggest and strongest countries across the globe. So yes, it’s very important, and it should happen,” Mast said.
“It doesn’t take away in any way from believing that China should not be repressing its people, should not be repressing the Tibetan people or the Uyghur people, but rather working to embrace freedom and support freedom across the globe,” he said.
Congresswoman Haley Stevens said the delegation wanted to highlight the plight of the Tibetan people and support their freedom. “I joined chairman Brian Mast in this historic and important visit for the plight of the Tibetan people as it exists here in Dharamshala and as we want to see Tibet remain free,” Stevens said. Congressman James Gallagher said the Dalai Lama has been keeping the sacred fire of liberty burning for the Tibetan people, and that the US was united in that effort.
The delegation included Brian Mast, James Gallagher, Jimmy Patronis, Haley Stevens and Shrinivas Prasad Thanedar. Congressman Brian Mast delivered a stark warning about Beijing’s plans for the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation, saying, “If that means abducting somebody, they will do it. If that means abducting a whole family, they will do it. If that means naming their own lama, they will do it.” Mast pointed to China’s alleged past abductions of individuals connected to the succession process, saying they were “never seen again.” Mast said the threat of transnational repression from China was far-reaching, alleging that Beijing could extend such activities to any other country.
Mast said that China and the freedom of the Tibetan people were among the top issues discussed during the meeting. “Certainly, China was among the top issues, the freedom of the people of Tibet, his representation of freedom across the globe, just as we believe that the United States is a representation of freedom across the globe. We discussed a great many things,” Mast said. He also said the Dalai Lama believes the US President meeting with the Chinese President would not affect concerns over the treatment of Tibetans. “His Holiness believed that it was important that President Trump meet with Xi Jinping. They are two leaders of the world’s biggest and strongest countries across the globe. So yes, it’s very important, and it should happen,” Mast said.
“It doesn’t take away in any way from believing that China should not be repressing its people, should not be repressing the Tibetan people or the Uyghur people, but rather working to embrace freedom and support freedom across the globe,” he said.
Congresswoman Haley Stevens said the delegation wanted to highlight the plight of the Tibetan people and support their freedom. “I joined chairman Brian Mast in this historic and important visit for the plight of the Tibetan people as it exists here in Dharamshala and as we want to see Tibet remain free,” Stevens said. Congressman James Gallagher said the Dalai Lama has been keeping the sacred fire of liberty burning for the Tibetan people, and that the US was united in that effort.
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