Barack Obama's meeting with the Dalai Lama in February 2010 took place behind closed doors at the White House, but reports said that the two men spoke for over an hour and that the President talked about his support of "Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the protection of human rights for Tibetans in the People's Republic of China". He encouraged the Dalai Lama to continue seeking dialogue with China. The Dalai Lama said Obama had been "very much supportive" and had shown real concern for Tibet. The meeting upset China, who had stated that it would undermine US-China relations.

President Obama met the Dalai Lama at the White House on 18 February 2010: White House picture

Statement on treatment of ethnic minorities in China
An address at the start of the US-China Strategic Economic Dialogue
Washington DC, July 27 2009

"Just as we respect China's ancient and remarkable culture, its remarkable achievements, we also strongly believe that the religion and culture of all peoples must be respected and protected, and that all people should be free to speak their minds.  And that includes ethnic and religious minorities in China, as surely as it includes minorities within the United States.

Support for human rights and human dignity is ingrained in America.  Our nation is made up of immigrants from every part of the world.  We have protected our unity and struggled to perfect our union by extending basic rights to all our people.  And those rights include the freedom to speak your mind, to worship your God, and to choose your leaders.  These are not things that we seek to impose -- this is who we are."

You can read the full address here.

Obama speaks about the situation in Tibet
President Obama spoke to Hu Jintao during the G20 summit
London, April 1 2009

The White House press office stated that:

'On Tibet, President -- the President said that it's -- that human rights are an essential aspect, central component, of U.S. foreign policy; that we are going to speak frankly about differences as well as about areas of cooperation.

But this is an area of difference. He expressed concern over the human rights situation in Tibet. He recognized that -- you know, stated our view that Tibet is a part of China, but that we are concerned from a human rights point of view, and said he hoped that there would be progress in dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives in China to address these concerns.'

Read the full report of the meeting with Hu Jintao, 1 April 2009

Statement to the Chinese-American Committee
By White House National Security Council Asia Director Jeff Bader
May 1, 2009

On 1 May 2009, Senior Director for Asia of the White House National Security Council Jeff Bader issued a statement to a Chinese-American Committee that it should use its influence to help change Beijing's view of the Dalai Lama.

He also made it clear that differences over human rights had become an irritant in US dealings with China, saying "China's human rights record, as we know, is poor." He also said that the most effective way to influence change in human rights in China was to lead by example, and cited President Obama's shutting down of the widely criticised Guantanamo Bay camp as an example of how the US can lead in this regard.

"President Obama does not believe in lecturing." Mr. Bader said, "He believes in leading by example, not finger-pointing."

Barack Obama's earlier statements on Tibet

Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the situation in Tibet

Chicago, IL, March 14, 2008– “I am deeply disturbed by reports of a crackdown and arrests ordered by Chinese authorities in the wake of peaceful protests by Tibetan Buddhist monks. I condemn the use of violence to put down peaceful protests, and call on the Chinese government to respect the basic human rights of the people of Tibet, and to account for the whereabouts of detained Buddhist monks.

These events come on the 49th anniversary of the exile of the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, the Dalai Lama. They demonstrate the continuing frustration of the Tibetan people at the way in which Beijing has ruled Tibet. There has been an informal dialogue between Chinese leaders and the Dalai Lama’s representatives over the past six years. It is good that they have been talking, but China has thus far shown no flexibility on the substance of those discussions. Indeed, it has delayed in scheduling the latest round, despite the willingness of the Tibetans to continue dialogue.

If Tibetans are to live in harmony with the rest of China’s people, their religion and culture must be respected and protected. Tibet should enjoy genuine and meaningful autonomy. The Dalai Lama should be invited to visit China, as part of a process leading to his return.

This is the year of the Beijing Olympics. It represents an opportunity for China to show the world what it has accomplished in the last several decades. Those accomplishments have been extraordinary and China’s people have a right to be proud of them, but the events in Tibet these last few days unfortunately show a different face of China. Now is the time for Beijing to take steps that would change the image people have of China later this year by changing the reality of how they treat Tibet and Tibetans. Now is the time to respect the human rights and religious freedom of the people of Tibet.”

Today we celebrate the Dalai Lama, not only as the spiritual rock for the Tibetan people, but also for his tireless advocacy for religious harmony, non-violence and human rights throughout the world.

I am proud and honored to join my colleagues and all Americans in paying tribute to the Dalai Lama. By bestowing on him the Congressional Gold Medal, we send a clear message of our commitment and support for his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Tibet issue through dialogue with the Chinese leadership.

The people of Tibet have a distinct and rich culture, and the Dalai Lama occupies a special place in their Buddhist beliefs and practices. The Dalai Lama has been consistent in his message that he does not seek independence for Tibet, that he supports the integrity and unity of the People's Republic of China, and that he aims for a solution based on Tibetan autonomy within China.

I am pleased that China has been willing to enter into discussions about Tibet's future, including inviting the representatives of the Dalai Lama to China for a sixth round of talks earlier this summer.

But it is now time for the Chinese leadership to engage in a dialogue with the Dalai Lama directly, allow him to return to Tibet, and work with him to assure the identity and cultural integrity of Tibet and to address the legitimate needs of the Tibetan people.

Taking such steps will build the basis for long-term stability in this strategic part of that country.”

Personal letter from Barack Obama to the Dalai Lama
July 24, 2008

Your Holiness,

I regret that our respective travel schedules will prevent us from meeting during your visit to the United States this month, but I wanted to take the opportunity to reassure you of my highest respect and support for you, your mission and your people at this critical time. I hope that this letter and your meeting with Senator McCain will make clear that American attention to and backing for the people of Tibet is widespread and transcends the divisions of our political contest in this important election year.

I was heartened to read of the continuing dialogue between your representatives and the government of the People's Republic of China. Although progress is likely to be slow, and the travails of the people of Tibet will continue, I am hopeful that the process of dialogue and negotiation will bring positive results if both sides demonstrate good intentions and mutual respect. I remain optimistic that this process will continue beyond the Beijing Olympics, and pledge that I will continue to support it. The right to practice their religious beliefs without punishment or obstruction is one that should be accorded the people of Tibet, and I will continue to encourage the Chinese government to put aside its suspicions and act in accordance with its own constitution.

I will continue to support you and the rights of Tibetans. People of all faiths can admire what you are doing and what you stand for, and I look forward to meeting you at another time.

With great respect,

Barack Obama