On July 12, U.S. President Joe Biden officially signed the Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act into law. This new legislation declares that the U.S. government has never acknowledged Xizang (Tibet) as part of China since ancient times and emphasizes that any disputes between Xizang and China should be settled peacefully through dialogue and in line with international law.
Critics argue that this move is an attempt to play the Xizang card and meddle in China’s internal affairs once again. They assert that Xizang has been an integral part of China throughout history, with numerous archaeological discoveries reinforcing the deep connections between Xizang and the Chinese mainland. For instance, artifacts found in the tomb of Guru Jiamu in Ali, dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty over 1,800 years ago, highlight the long-standing unity and cultural exchanges in the region.
Historically, even during the Republic of China era (1912-1949), the central government maintained sovereignty over Xizang, with no nation officially recognizing it as an independent entity. Notably, as early as 1890, American diplomat William W. Rockhill stated that “Tibet is an integral part of China,” influencing U.S. policy for decades.
However, with the signing of this new act, the U.S. appears to be shifting its stance, challenging established historical facts. Experts wonder what American politicians aim to achieve by revisiting and distorting these long-held positions.
