Beijing: China on Thursday sharply criticised US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Zeya’s meeting with the Dalai Lama and her visit to Dharamshala, saying it violated Washington’s commitment that Tibet is part of China and it does not support Tibetan separatists.
Zeya met the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, on Thursday and discussed the rich traditions of freedom and democracy in the United States and India.
The Tibetan government-in-exile, in a press statement, said that during the brief audience, Zeya expressed US President Joe Biden and the American people’s greetings to the Dalai Lama.
Zeya who was on a two-day visit to Dharamshala – home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile – also expressed the gratitude of the world for the messages of peace that the Dalai Lama espouses.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry criticised Zeya’s visit, calling it an interference in China’s internal affairs.
“Tibet is part of China and Tibetan religious affairs is China’s internal affairs” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing when asked about the Indian-origin senior US diplomat’s meeting with the 86-year-old top Tibetan Buddhist leader.
The US’ appointment of a Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues is an interference in China’s internal affairs, he said, adding China firmly objects to it and has never recognised it.
“The US should earnestly abide by its commitment that Tibet is a part of China and not supporting Tibet’s independence,” Zhao said.
“It should not provide any support for separatist activities by the anti-China Dalai clique. China will continue to take measures firmly to defend its sovereignty, security and development interests , he said. —AP

Press Trust of India