US committed to Tibetan issue, says Tillerson

Washington: Expressing its concern over the alleged human rights violations in China in general and Tibet in particular, the Trump administration has said it was committed to encourage the Chinese leadership to have dialogue with the representatives of the Tibet's government-in-exile.

In recent communications with US lawmakers, top officials of the Trump administration have reiterated that there is no change in the US policy with regard to Tibet.

In a written response to questions during his confirmation hearing, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told the Congress that the US recognises Tibet as a part of China.

At the same time, he said the Trump administration will continue to encourage talks between China and representatives of Tibet's "government-in-exile" and/or the Dalai Lama.

"I will also encourage Beijing and the governments of all nations to respect and preserve the distinct religious, linguistic, and cultural identity of the Tibetan people worldwide," Tillerson said.

Similar assurance was given before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by the Iowa Governor, Terry Branstad, during his confirmation hearing for US Ambassador to China last week, when several Senators raised the issue of Tibet.

Branstad said the US has always stood for human rights for all people in the world.

He said religious people should not be persecuted and it was very important to protect their human rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

US lawmakers have introduced legislations and spoken inside the Congress to push the Trump administration on Tibet.

"We need to rethink US policy toward Tibet. For years, China has faced no consequences for its failure to respect the fundamental rights of the Tibetan people," said Congressman Jim McGovern, a senior House Democratic member.

"I constantly receive reports from Tibet of human rights abuses and affronts to basic human dignity. This must change. If China wants its citizens and officials to travel freely in the US, Americans must be able to travel freely in China, including Tibet,” McGovern said.