U.S. Policy on Tibet |
Overall, the U.S. has taken a strong stance, made firm statements, and mandated commissions to monitor human rights in China. Historically the United States has been very supportive of Tibet. Every US president since 1990 has hosted meetings with the Dalai Lama. President Obama has spoken out against China's human rights abuses, and has began to take concrete action. China has become a superpower with a powerful voice in international issues but the rest of the world should not be afraid to take a strong pro-human rights stance against China.
Push President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton to make strong statements and actions supporting Tibet. Your voice can make the difference for the Tibetan people!
The Obama Administration's Policy Regarding Tibet:
-Tibet is part of China
-There needs to be dialogue between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama through the good offices of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues
-Committment to human rights and respect for religion
For an in depth report on US policy on Tibet please click here
 | President Obama & President Hu Jintao on Human Rights -On January 19, 2011 Chinese President Hu Jintao met with President Barack Obama for a series of meetings. During these meetings the subject of human rights was addressed. -Regarding the issue of human rights President Obama pressed his committment to universal human rights in every nation. Obama made his case for human rights both in the private meetings with President Jintao and in subsequent press conferences. -In response to Obama President Hu Jintao excused his naitons human rights record by stating that China strives to respect universal human rights but is culturally different than the US and in a different stage of development. -Obama stated that dispite China's dismal human rights record the US will continue to enjoy many more years of mutually beneficial relations. |
Obama & the Dalai Lama:
- In Febuary 2010 President Obama held a meeting with the Dalai Lama in the Map Room of the White House
-Both leaders stressed the need for an end to China's human rights abuses
-Both stressed more autonomy for Tibet, not independence
Click here to read further reports about the historic meeting.
 | Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's statements on Tibet: During Clinton's confirmation hearing she stated that "Tibet should enjoy genuine and meaningful autonomy." -She also stated that she believes that the "Dalai Lama should be invited to visit China, as part of the process leading to his return." -Clinton has a history of supporting Tibet, issuing strong statements, and experience with the issues in the area. To read more about Secretary Clinton's statments and the US State Department's policy towards Tibet click here. |
Sino-American Relations
-The United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) have a complex, interdependent relationship which guides their affairs with one another.
-The US and China are the two largest economies & emitters of greenhouse gasses on the planet. They are also both nuclear powers and perminent members on the United Nations Security Council. As such they both play major roles in international affairs.
-Points of contention between the two nations are Tibet, Tawain, North Korea, US military presence in Asia and the Pacific and the Chinese potentially undervaluing their currency.
-The US continues to use their unique position in global politics to press the Chinese to end their human rights abuses.
To read more about the relationship between the US & China click here.
 | U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues -October 1, 2009, Maria Otero was appointed as the U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues. -Otero has been mandated to support and create dialogue between the Dalai Lama or his representatives and the Chinese government. She will also work on the U.S. government's policies, projects, and programs regarding TIbet. To read more about Ms. Otero click here |
Click here for the U.S. State Department Report on Tibet for 2009 & 2010
