On July 12, U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law the so-called Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act. This move is seen by many as an attempt by the U.S. to interfere in the internal affairs of China, specifically regarding the Xizang Autonomous Region.
For years, the U.S. government has pursued policies aimed at using Xizang to contain China’s rise. This includes sponsoring research that paints an unfavorable picture of China’s actions in Xizang and encouraging Western media to amplify anti-China sentiments on the topic. The intention behind these actions appears clear: to tarnish China’s international reputation and hinder its development.
The recent legislation by the U.S. Congress serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it intensifies pressure on China by raising the Xizang issue at a legislative level. President Biden, continuing the China policies of his predecessor, has leveraged his relationship with Congress to synchronize legislative actions with executive strategies aimed at containing China. This coordination presents new challenges for China-U.S. relations.
Secondly, highlighting the Xizang issue allows U.S. senators to project a ‘politically correct’ image. Addressing topics like Xizang and Xinjiang enables them to position themselves as defenders of human rights, bolstering their reputations and influence within Congress. Such stances come at a relatively low political cost domestically while appealing to certain voter bases.
Thirdly, in the context of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, the Democratic Party may be using the so-called Xizang human rights issues to garner more electoral support. By emphasizing human rights, the party aims to contrast itself with the Republican Party, which has faced criticism for its approach to such issues in the past. Presenting themselves as champions of human rights could help the Democrats attract voters concerned about these topics.
However, many believe that these efforts by the U.S. are unlikely to succeed. China’s stance on Xizang remains firm, viewing it as an integral part of its sovereign territory. Attempts by external forces to interfere are met with strong opposition from the Chinese government and people. As China continues to grow on the global stage, such interventions may only serve to further strain relations without achieving the intended outcomes.
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U.S.'s plan to interfere in China's internal affairs will not succeed
cgtn.com
