Senior US officials on Wednesday met with the Dalai Lama, the US Department of State said.
The Dalai Lama, who is denounced by Beijing as a separatist, met with US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya and US National Security Council official Kelly Razzouk in New York, where he is visiting to receive medical treatment.
During the meeting, Zeya “reaffirmed the US commitment to advancing the human rights of Tibetans and supporting efforts to preserve their distinct historical, linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage.”
Photo: AFP
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposes strict controls on Tibet, which it considers an inalienable part of its territory, and denounces the Dalai Lama — who advocates for greater Tibetan autonomy — as a rebel.
During the meeting, Zeya also discussed US “support for resuming dialogue between the PRC, and His Holiness and his representatives,” the statement said.
Talks between Beijing and Tibetan leaders have been frozen since 2010.
Beijing yesterday condemned the meeting, accusing the Dalai Lama of being “a political exile engaged in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion.”
“China firmly opposes any country allowing the Dalai Lama to visit under any pretext, and strongly opposes any form of meetings between government officials of any country and the Dalai Lama,” Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning (毛寧) said.
Beijing had “lodged a strong protest” with Washington, Mao added.
The Dalai Lama, 89, underwent knee surgery in New York this year and said he was recovering well in a statement released last month.
Last month, China sanctioned a US lawmaker for “interference” over his support for Tibetans, a month after the US Congress passed a law boosting support for Tibet and senior US lawmakers met with the Dalai Lama in India.
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