US Congressional Delegation, Including Nancy Pelosi, Visits Dalai Lama In McLeod Ganj - All You Need To Know

Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, and other members of the congressional delegation were received at the Dalai Lama's residence on Wednesday for a meeting with the Tibetan spiritual leader.

The Dalai Lama's residence in Himachal Pradesh's McLeod Ganj was visited by the delegation, with the head of the delegation, Michael McCaul, indicating that President Joe Biden would soon sign a bill aimed at pressing China to resolve the Tibet dispute.

US Delegation Visits McLeod Ganj - Here's What Happened Next

The Resolve Tibet Act, which calls for Beijing to resume talks with Tibetan leaders that have been suspended since 2010 to peacefully resolve their governance disagreement with China, was passed by the US House of Representatives. The bill aims for a negotiated settlement between the two countries regarding Tibet and urges China to address the desires of the Tibetan people concerning their historical, cultural, religious, and language identity, as reported by ANI.

Ahead of the meeting with the Dalai Lama by the American delegation, the visit of the US lawmakers to Dolma Tsering Teykhang, the Deputy Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, emphasized that "Tibet is not alone," On Tuesday, Kangra airport in Dharamshala welcomed a group of US representatives, including Nancy Pelosi, along with Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Gregory Meeks, Nicole Malliotakis, Jim McGovern, and Ami Bera.

Upon their arrival, the American delegation was welcomed by officials from the Central Tibetan Administration. McCaul told reporters on Tuesday, "We are very excited to see His Holiness tomorrow to talk about many things, including the Bill we passed out of Congress, which basically says that the United States stands with the people of Tibet."

When asked about whether Biden would sign the bill, she responded, "Yes, he will." The Resolve Tibet Act awaits Biden's signature to become law, challenging Beijing's assertion that Tibet has always been part of China. It calls on China to cease disseminating false information about Tibet's history, people, and institutions, including the Dalai Lama, and urges China to initiate discussions with the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan leaders regarding Tibet's governance, as per media reports.

US politicians frequently visit Dharamsala to support the Dalai Lama's efforts to gain international support for preserving Tibet's language and culture. In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled to India following an unsuccessful rebellion against Chinese control in Tibet. Chinese authorities oppose any meetings he holds with officials from other nations.

China Reacts On Dalai Lama-Pelosi meet

China responded by expressing strong concern about the visit and the anticipated bill signed by Biden.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, "We ... urge the US to fully recognise the anti-China and separatist nature of the Dalai clique, abide by its commitments on Tibet-related issues, refrain from any form of contact with it, and stop sending erroneous messages. We urge the US side to honour its commitment of recognising Tibet as part of China and not supporting Tibetan independence, and not to sign the above-mentioned bill," as reported by Hindustan Times.

Beijing stated that it would take strong actions to protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests.