US Passed Resolve Tibet Act

• 01 Jul 2024

For Prelims: China-Tibet Issue, India-China Relations, India-US Relations, Buddhism, Dalai Lama.

For Mains: Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests.

Source: BS

Why in News?

Recently, the US Congress passed the Promoting a Resolution to Tibet-China Dispute Act, also known as the Resolve Tibet Act.

• This legislation aims to promote a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China dispute according to international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter through peaceful dialogue without preconditions.

What is the Resolve Tibet Act 2024?

• About:
  • It is a legislation passed by the United States Congress in June 2024.
  • It is the third notable act by the US government regarding Tibet, following the Tibetan Policy Act (2002) and the Tibetan Policy & Support Act (2020).
• Key Provisions:
  • It aims to strengthen the US's position on Tibet and pressure China into resuming negotiations with the Dalai Lama.
  • The Act aims to enhance US support for Tibet and empower US State Department officials to actively counter disinformation about Tibet from the Chinese government.
  • The Act will also push for negotiations "without preconditions" between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives or the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community.
  • It underlines the Tibetan people's right to self-determination and human rights, noting China's duty as a signatory of international human rights covenants.
  • It recognizes and addresses the distinct historical, cultural, religious, and linguistic identity of the Tibetan people.
  • It also aims to empower the international community to stand up for justice and peace in Tibet.
• Difference with Earlier Acts:
  • Unlike the 2002 act, which recognized China's claim over Tibet, the Resolve Tibet Act directly challenges this claim.
  • The 2002 act encouraged dialogue with the Dalai Lama, but only in his capacity as a spiritual leader, not as a political representative. In contrast, this Act urges China to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his democratically elected representatives, without preconditions.
  • The Tibetan Policy & Support Act of 2020 also pushed for constructive dialogue, but the Resolve Tibet Act goes further by stating that these talks should aim to "resolve differences" between the parties.

How is India’s Relation with Tibet?

• The Younghusband Mission (1903-1904): The British military expedition to Tibet, led by Colonel Younghusband, aimed to establish a British presence in the region and counter growing Russian influence.
  • This led to a conflict with Tibetan forces, culminating in the British victory and the signing of the Lhasa Convention of 1904.
• Anglo-Russian Convention (1907): This agreement aimed to settle outstanding colonial disputes between Colonial Britain and Russia.
  • According to this agreement, two great powers would not negotiate with Tibet, except through the mediation of the Chinese government.
• India's Relationship with Tibet: Despite the Sino-Russian treaty, India maintained close ties with Tibet through the influence of Buddhism.
  • The spread of Buddhism from India to Tibet and the presence of influential Buddhist monasteries fostered strong cultural and religious connections between the two regions.
• The Indo-Tibetan Border: The Sino-Indian border dispute, particularly in the Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh regions, has been a major point of contention between India and China.
  • The status of Tibet and its historical relationship with India have been central to this ongoing dispute, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the disputed territories.
• India’s Stand on Tibet: Since 2003, India has recognised Tibet Autonomous Region as part of the People's Republic of China following the signing of the Declaration on Principles for Relations and Comprehensive Cooperation between India and China.
  • In 1959, India granted asylum to the Dalai Lama after a failed uprising.

What is the Background of the China-Tibet Dispute?

• Tibet's Independence Claims:
  • Tibet is an autonomous region on the Tibetan Plateau, with a distinct culture, language, and religious tradition centred around Tibetan Buddhism.
  • In 1913, the 13th Dalai Lama announced Tibet's de facto independence after the fall of the Qing dynasty, claiming Tibet was never a part of China.
  • However, successive Chinese governments, including the People's Republic of China (PRC) established in 1949, have consistently claimed sovereignty over Tibet.
• Chinese Invasion and the Seventeen Point Agreement:
  • From 1912 to 1949, Tibet was not under the control of any Chinese government, with the Dalai Lama's government ruling the region.
  • In 1951, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China invaded Tibet, and Tibetan leaders were forced to sign the Seventeen Point Agreement which nominally guaranteed Tibetan autonomy but allowed the establishment of Chinese civil and military headquarters in Lhasa (capital of Tibet).
  • The Tibetan people, including the Dalai Lama, have rejected the validity of this agreement, considering it a forced occupation and an act of "cultural genocide."
• 1959 Tibetan Uprising and Aftermath:
  • Increasing tensions between Tibet and China led to a major uprising in 1959, during which the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetans fled to India, seeking asylum.
  • The Tibetan exiles formed a government-in-exile, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), based in Dharamshala, India.
  • Since the 1959 uprising, China has tightened its control over Tibet, severely restricting freedoms of speech, religion, and press, and engaging in human rights abuses such as forced abortions, sterilisations, and the demographic shift through the influx of ethnic Han Chinese.
  • While China has invested in infrastructure development in Tibet, these efforts are widely seen as part of a larger strategy to consolidate its control over the region.

Dalai Lama

• Tradition: The Dalai Lama belongs to the Gelugpa tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, the largest and most influential tradition in Tibet.
• History: There have been only 14 Dalai Lamas in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. The first and second Dalai Lamas received the title posthumously. The current Dalai Lama is Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th in the line.
• Spiritual Significance: Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), the Bodhisattva of Compassion and Tibet's patron saint.
  • Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who aspire to achieve Buddhahood to benefit all sentient beings and vow to be reborn to help humanity.
• The process to Choose the Dalai Lama:
  • Reincarnation Search: The process of selecting a Dalai Lama involves identifying the reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama, who serves as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The search typically begins after the passing of the incumbent Dalai Lama.
  • High Lamas of the Gelugpa tradition and the Tibetan government are responsible for finding the next Dalai Lama. If multiple candidates are identified, a public ceremony involving the drawing of lots is held to determine the true successor.
• Recognition and Training: The selected child, usually very young, is recognised as the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama and undergoes rigorous spiritual and educational training.
• Role: The Dalai Lama's role includes both spiritual and political leadership in Tibetan Buddhism. The selection process is crucial to Tibetan cultural and religious traditions.
• Duration: The search can take several years; for example, it took 4 years to find the current (14th) Dalai Lama.
• Geographical Scope: The search is generally limited to Tibet. However, the current Dalai Lama has suggested that he might not be reborn or, if he is, it would not be in a country under Chinese rule.

What is the Global Stand on China-Tibet Issue?

• China's Stance: China claims Tibet has been part of its territory since the 13th century and its policies aim to develop the region. It argues Tibet is an autonomous region with significant rights and accuses the Dalai Lama of seeking independence.
  • China has expressed concerns over the future selection of the Dalai Lama. It fears that the Dalai Lama's successor might be chosen to challenge its authority in Tibet.
• Support for Tibetan Autonomy/ Independence: Some Western countries, like the US and Canada, have expressed support for Tibetan autonomy and human rights.
  • The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), the Tibetan government-in-exile led by the Dalai Lama, is not recognized by the international community, including India.
• Non-Interference and Neutrality: Many countries, especially those with ties to China, maintain a neutral stance and prioritise diplomatic and economic cooperation with China.
  • Neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bhutan take a cautious approach to avoid tensions with China.
• Human Rights Concerns: International organisations including the United Nations (UN) have expressed concerns about human rights abuses in Tibet, including restrictions on religious freedom and cultural suppression.

Drishti Mains Question:

What are the factors responsible for the ongoing dispute between China and Tibet? Analyze the impact of this dispute on India's strategic interests and suggest a way forward for India's Tibet policy.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q1. With reference to Indian history, who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world? (2018)

(a) Avalokiteshvara
(b) Lokesvara
(c) Maitreya
(d) Padmapani

Ans: (c)

Q2. The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at (2017)

(a) Ajanta
(b) Badami
(c) Bagh
(d) Ellora

Ans: (a)

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Mains:

Q. Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management. (2016)