For Tibetans, the Middle Way Approach implies not seeking independence, but genuine autonomy within the framework of the People’s Republic of China. Photo: Middle Way website screenshot
Dharamshala — The US Secretary of State, John Kerry said Washington maintains that Tibet is an inalienable part of China and does not support the independence of Tibet. The White House earlier said that President Obama reiterate his support for the “Middle Way” Approach, which seeks “a Genuine Autonomy” for Tibet.Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks during a phone call on Saturday (June 18) with US Secretary of State John Kerry, during which Wang reiterated China’s position on the issue of Tibet. In response, Kerry reaffirmed that there was no change in US policy, and the US government maintains that Tibet is an inseparable part of China and does not support the independence of Tibet.
This development comes in the wake of US President Barack Obama’s meeting with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, at the White House, marking the fourth time since Obama took office.
“The US supports his ‘Middle Way‘ approach of neither assimilation nor independence for Tibetans in China,” The White House said following a meeting between President Obama and His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 2014.
President Obama expressed his government support for the “Middle Way” Approach, which seeks “a Genuine Autonomy” for all three traditional provinces of Tibet and encouraged “direct dialogue” between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and his representatives and Chinese authorities, despite a strong warning by China that it would “damage diplomatic relations.”
The Chinese government expressed anger over the meeting and warned the US should that it may damage their diplomatic relationship. China regularly criticises His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the international community and claims he is dangerous separatist who is aiming to divide the country.
These claims have so far been unfounded and Beijing does not back them up with constructive evidence. The spiritual leader of Tibet has repeatedly said that separation and independence is not what he seeks, instead he wants a relationship with China and genuine autonomy for Tibet through an approach dubbed the ‘Middle Way Approach’.
This policy means achieving autonomy for all Tibetans living in the three traditional provinces of Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China. His Holiness sees it is a non-partisan and moderate position that safeguards the vital interests of all concerned parties.
For Tibetans their culture, religious identity and religion are protected and for the Chinese their security and territorial integrity is preserved. Neighbouring countries could also benefit from peaceful borders and international relations.
Both Kerry and Wang hailed the success of the recent US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogues and the US-China High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange, which were held in Beijing earlier this month.
Starting in 1949, Tibet was invaded by 35,000 Chinese troops who systematically raped, tortured and murdered an estimated 1.2 million Tibetans, one-fifth of the country’s population. Since then over 6000 monasteries have been destroyed, and thousands of Tibetans have been imprisoned. According to different sources, it is estimated that up to 260,000 people died in prisons and labor camps between 1950 and 1984.
