The Chinese embassy in New Delhi has voiced its objection to the meeting between Uzra Zeya, the US special coordinator for Tibetan issues, and the Dalai Lama. China stated that no external forces have the right to interfere in the affairs of Tibet. Zeya, who is also the US under secretary for civilian security, democracy, and human rights, arrived in India and promptly met with the Dalai Lama. The Chinese embassy in New Delhi condemned any contact between foreign officials and what they referred to as ‘Tibetan independence’ forces. They asserted that Tibet’s affairs are China’s internal matters and should not be interfered with by external entities.
In a Facebook post, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) disclosed that the Dalai Lama met with a delegation from the US led by Zeya. The political leader of the CTA, Penpa Tsering, who was part of the Dalai Lama’s delegation, stated that the discussions centered around preserving Tibet’s rich cultural heritage. Tsering also mentioned that the Dalai Lama humorously referred to himself as the ‘defence minister for India in the Himalayas’ and emphasized the role of the Buddhist community as the frontline defender for India.
The meeting between Zeya and the Dalai Lama also touched upon the Ukraine crisis, with the Dalai Lama expressing his desire for a weapons-free world. Tsering highlighted Zeya’s active involvement in Tibetan issues, including the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, since her appointment by the Biden administration.
Apart from Zeya, other senior US officials in the delegation included Donald Lu, US assistant secretary for South and Central Asian affairs, US ambassador Eric Garcetti, and USAID deputy assistant administrator Anjali Kaur. On the Indian side, officials from the government and civil society were expected to participate in productive discussions with Zeya regarding the US-India partnership.
The Chinese embassy’s statement described Zeya’s position as offensive and accused her of political manipulation to interfere in China’s internal affairs. China has consistently voiced its opposition to any recognition of the Dalai Lama, whom they view as a political exile involved in anti-China separatist activities. The embassy labeled the Tibetan government in exile as a separatist political group and an illegal organization. China called on the US to fulfill its commitment of acknowledging Tibet as part of China and to cease interference in its internal matters under the pretext of Tibet-related issues.
Zeya’s visit to India is part of a broader trip that includes Bangladesh, where she will also hold discussions with senior government officials. The discussions in both countries are expected to focus on advancing shared solutions to global challenges, promoting democracy, ensuring regional stability, and cooperating on humanitarian relief efforts.
