As Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares to arrive in Washington DC, the U.S. State Department has submitted its 13th annual “Report on Tibet Negotiations” to Congress on August 5, 2015, in which it says that China puts unattainable conditions on the Dalai Lama to resume dialogue.
The report notes that the Tibetan and Chinese representatives have not met for talks since 2010 and says, “The United States continues to encourage both sides to engage in a substantive discussion that will work to achieve concrete results. The U.S. government believes the Dalai Lama or his representatives can be constructive partners for China as it deals with continuing tensions in Tibetan areas.”
The report expresses concerns at the Chinese attitude for lack of resumption of the dialogue process with the Tibetans. It says, “We are concerned Chinese officials continue to insist the Dalai Lama meet unattainable conditions in order for China to resume dialogue. We consider this position counter-productive and contrary to the expectations of the United States and the international community. We support dialogue without preconditions.”
The report outlines the steps taken by the President Obama as well as Secretary Kerry and U.S. Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Under Secretary Sewall, to encourage the dialogue process. It says, “Under Secretary Sewall coordinated with like-minded governments on Tibetan issues, both in Washington and during her travels to Europe.”
The report also highlights the difficulties faced by Americans in having access to Tibet. It says, “Travel by U.S. diplomats and journalists to the TAR and other Tibetan areas remained restricted during the reporting period.”
It refers to the developments following the Nepal earthquake that also affected the Tibetan areas bordering Nepal. The report says, “During the reporting period, dozens of U.S. citizens were also left stranded in the TAR after the April 25 Nepal earthquake severely damaged roads and communication infrastructure in the region. TAR officials were unable to provide Consulate General Chengdu with an accurate accounting for the U.S. citizens affected.”
The full text of the report, submitted to Congress in accordance with the Tibet Policy Act of 2002, can be accessed here.