On July 12, U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act. This act states that the U.S. government has never taken the position that Xizang has been a part of China since ancient times, and that disputes between Xizang and China must be resolved by peaceful means in accordance with international law through dialogue without preconditions.
This move is seen by many as an attempt to interfere in China’s internal affairs by playing the Xizang card once again. Xizang has been an integral part of China since ancient times, and affairs related to Xizang are purely China’s internal matters, which brook no interference from any outside force.
Archaeological discoveries in this southwestern region of China reveal a long and close connection between Xizang and the rest of the Chinese mainland, confirming the unity and diversity of the Chinese nation. For example, artifacts found in the tomb of Guru Jiamu in Ali, Xizang Autonomous Region, dating from the Eastern Han Dynasty around 2,000 years ago, include a brocade item over 1,800 years old. Patterned with birds and beasts, it bore the Chinese character “wanghou,” meaning nobility. This is the first silk relic found on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, demonstrating the long history of interactions and exchanges between the region and the mainland and among different ethnic groups.
The so-called question of Xizang’s status arises from imperialist invasions of China. Even during the period of the Republic of China (1912-1949), the central government exercised sovereignty over Xizang, and no country openly recognized an independent Xizang.
In the United States, as early as 1890, American diplomat William W. Rockhill asserted that “Tibet is an integral part of China.” His view had a significant impact on the U.S. government’s policy towards Xizang at the time, an impact that lasted until the 1940s.
It was only on the eve of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 that the U.S. government’s policy and position on Xizang gradually changed. Now, the U.S., in defiance of historical facts, claims that it “has never taken the position that Xizang has been a part of China since ancient times.” This raises the question: What do American politicians hope to gain by distorting the facts?
By attempting to interfere in China’s internal affairs, the U.S. risks damaging bilateral relations and undermining regional stability. History has shown that such strategies are bound to fail. Respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs are fundamental principles of international relations. It is in the best interests of all parties to foster mutual understanding and cooperation rather than sowing discord.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com