A congressional delegation that met with the Dalai Lama this week angered China, which also opposes recent U.S. legislation urging China to repair ties with the spiritual leader.
The bipartisan congressional delegation Led According to the Associated Press, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) met with the Dalai Lama on Wednesday at his compound in Dharamsala, India, where the leader has lived since fleeing Tibet in 1959.
The Associated Press noted that China does not recognize Tibetan officials in exile and has not spoken to the Dalai Lama since 2010. It reported that the lawmakers said the visit was to highlight the Tibet Conflict Act passed last week, which urges China to repair ties with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the White House “must not sign the bill into law,” according to the Associated Press. Lin warned that China would take “resolute measures” if President Biden signs the bill.
“Everyone knows that the 14th Dalai Lama is not a pure religious man, but a political exile who engages in anti-China separatist activities under the guise of religion,” Lin said.
According to the Associated Press, Lin called on US authorities to “avoid any contact with the Dalai Lama group in any way and stop sending the wrong message to the world.”
McCaul reportedly touted the success of the congressional delegation in remarks after the meeting Wednesday.
“Our delegation received a letter from the Chinese Communist Party this week warning us not to come here. But we will not be intimidated by the Chinese Communist Party and that’s why we’re here today,” he said, according to the Associated Press.
The Associated Press contributed.
