US Reiterates Backing for Tibetan Aspirations to Preserve Culture After Man Sets Himself on Fire

The U.S. State Department has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the human rights and cultural preservation of Tibetans, calling on China to re-engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama and Tibetan representatives. This stance comes in the wake of a Tibetan man's self-immolation near the United Nations headquarters in New York, an act activists identified as Lobga Rangzen, who died from severe burns.

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The United States is committed to supporting the unalienable human rights and aspirations of Tibetans to celebrate and preserve their unique culture, language, and religion without fear of interference.

A spokesperson for the State Department stated, "The United States is committed to supporting the unalienable human rights and aspirations of Tibetans to celebrate and preserve their unique culture, language, and religion without fear of interference." The U.S. also continues to urge China to return to "direct dialogue, without pre-conditions," with the Dalai Lama and his representatives to resolve differences and achieve "meaningful autonomy for Tibetans."

China, however, has defended its territorial claims over Tibet, asserting that it has been an "inalienable part of the country's territory since ancient times." Beijing believes that other countries should handle matters related to Tibet in accordance with their own domestic laws. China has previously criticized the U.S. for interfering in its internal affairs concerning Tibet, stating Washington is "in no position" to criticize China on the issue.

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The United States will continue to call on China to return to direct dialogue, without pre-conditions, with the Dalai Lama and his representatives, and with the democratically elected Tibetan leaders, to resolve differences and achieve meaningful autonomy for Tibetans.

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is considered a separatist by Beijing. China insists on approving his successor, citing historical ritual. The International Campaign for Tibet reports that since 2009, there have been 159 self-immolations by Tibetans, with 11 occurring in exile. Human rights groups and Tibetan exiles frequently condemn China's rule in Tibetan areas, allegations that China rejects.

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Tibet has been an inalienable part of the country's territory since ancient times and Beijing believes 'relevant countries will handle the matter in accordance with domestic laws.'