The United States and China are facing renewed tensions after Washington announced the appointment of a special coordinator to promote Tibetan rights, a move Beijing condemned as interference in its internal affairs.
US Envoy Sparks Chinese Criticism
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio named Riley Barnes, currently the assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labour, as the US special coordinator for Tibetan issues. The announcement coincided with Losar, the Tibetan new year, and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to supporting Tibetan rights, language, and religious heritage.
China’s foreign ministry responded on Wednesday, accusing the US of using Tibetan issues to interfere in matters it considers internal. According to the statement, China does not recognize the position of US special coordinator for Tibetan issues and asserts that “Tibet affairs are China’s internal affairs and tolerate no interference from any external forces.”
US policymakers have, in recent years, focused on defending Tibetan religious rituals related to the selection of the Dalai Lama, who Beijing labels a separatist. The current Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since 1959, after fleeing Lhasa following a Chinese military crackdown on an uprising.
Critics express concern that China intends to identify and support a successor to the 90-year-old Dalai Lama who will be compliant with the government’s policies, potentially diminishing the advocacy for Tibetan rights that the current Dalai Lama provides.
While previous administrations have designated senior officials to concurrently serve in the role, President Donald Trump waited months to make an appointment during his first term.
Prior to becoming Secretary of State, Rubio was a vocal advocate for human rights in China, including efforts to support the Uyghur minority with legislation banning imports from the Xinjiang region unless they were certified free of forced labor. Since becoming the top US diplomat, Rubio has aligned with the Trump administration’s approach of using human rights as a point of leverage against adversaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the US Secretary of State do on Tuesday?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the appointment of Riley Barnes as the US special coordinator for Tibetan issues.
How did China respond to the appointment?
China accused the United States of interfering in its internal affairs by establishing the position of special coordinator for Tibetan issues.
Where is the current Dalai Lama currently living?
The current Dalai Lama has lived in exile in India since fleeing Lhasa in 1959.
As the US and China navigate this latest point of contention, will this appointment lead to further diplomatic friction, or will it open a channel for dialogue on human rights concerns?
