Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Jan. 10: The exile Tibetan leadership has congratulated Mike Johnson on his re-election as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, emphasising the enduring support of the U.S. Congress for the Tibetan cause. The Central Tibetan Administration’s (CTA) President Penpa Tsering and Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile Khenpo Sonam Tenphel conveyed their felicitations in official messages.
In a letter addressed to Speaker Johnson, President Penpa Tsering expressed heartfelt congratulations and acknowledged the critical role the U.S. Congress has played in promoting human rights and democratic freedoms for the Tibetan people. “The United States Congress has been an unwavering champion of the Tibetan cause, providing crucial bipartisan support through the decades. This steadfast commitment from both sides of the aisle has been instrumental in solidifying longstanding US policy and support for the Tibetan cause. Under your Speakership, we look forward to continuing our critical work towards resolving the Sino-Tibet conflict based on the Middle Way Approach through a negotiated dialogue,” he wrote.
The political leader of the CTA also expressed his aspiration to meet Speaker Mike Johnson in person to further strengthen the enduring relationship between the US Congress and the Tibetan people, as noted on tibet.net, the official website of the exile Tibetan government.
Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, echoed similar sentiments in his congratulatory message. He highlighted the deep gratitude of the Tibetan people for the consistent support from U.S. lawmakers. “The United States has long been a steadfast advocate for the rights of Tibetans, amplifying our voices on the global stage. Through its unwavering support, the United States has demonstrated its commitment to the promotion of democracy, human rights, and the fundamental dignity of all peoples. I look forward to your ongoing commitment to facilitating the resolution of the Sino-Tibetan conflict, through the Middle Way Approach,” he stated.
The Speaker further conveyed his hopes for Speaker Johnson’s success, writing, “Under your Speakership, I hope you achieve great success in fulfilling the aspirations of your people and the global expectations in bringing peace, justice, and human rights around the world.”
The U.S. Congress has consistently advocated for Tibet through resolutions and hearings addressing the human rights situation in Tibet and urging meaningful dialogue between Chinese authorities and Tibetan representatives. Over the years, landmark legislations such as the Tibetan Policy Act of 2002, the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018, the Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020, and the Promoting a Resolution to Tibet-China Dispute Act, commonly known as the Resolve Tibet Act, have reinforced U.S. support for Tibet.
The Resolve Tibet Act authorises funding to counter Chinese disinformation about Tibet, including misrepresentations of Tibetan history, institutions, and the Dalai Lama. It also challenges China’s assertion that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times and urges Chinese authorities to engage in direct and meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives and the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community, “without preconditions, to seek a settlement that resolves differences.”