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Dalai Lama: A man on a missionU.S. legislation proposes monetary, political support to Tibet
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Dalai Lama was thrust into the political spotlight as a teen-ager when his homeland of Tibet was taken over by China. Still fighting for Tibet's independence half a century later, the Tibetan spiritual leader landed a political boost this week with proposed U.S. legislation that would provide diplomatic and financial support to Tibet. Tucked in the Himalayan Mountains, Tibet developed a strong, unique culture over thousands of years. In 1959, the Dalai Lama, a Buddhist monk, fled Tibet on the heels of a failed uprising intended to loosen communist China's fierce grip on the nation's politics, culture and religion since its takeover in 1951.
He has yet to return, spending the last 41 years traveling the world to raise money and promote human rights and the culture of Tibet. Beijing calls him a "splittist," intent on stirring rebellion and separating Tibet from communist China. But his peaceful fight has been met positively in much of the rest of the world, enough to earn him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. With his bald head and red robe, the Dalai Lama has become a global icon, touted by Hollywood celebrities and political activists alike. On Wednesday, U.S. congressmen introduced legislation designed to "safeguard the cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic identity" of Tibetans.
"With this move, the U.S. government is putting the force of law behind its long-standing interest in the welfare of the Tibetan people and a negotiated solution for Tibet," said Mary Beth Markey, director of government relations for the advocacy group, International Campaign for Tibet. Timing with US-China tensions a 'coincidence'The bill's sponsors, Democratic Rep. Tom Lantos of California and Republican Rep. Mark Kirk of Illinois, said their proposal was not related to current Sino-U.S. tension. An April 1 mid-air collision between a U.S. reconnaissance plane and Chinese fighter jet set off a heated political controversy. China detained the American plane's 24-member crew for 11 days and refuses to return the aircraft. Several other issues, in particular U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, have put Beijing and Washington at odds in recent weeks. China considers the Dalai Lama a separatist, intent on assuring Tibet's complete independence from China.
But Lantos said the preparations on the bill "long preceded" the diplomatic row between China and the United States, calling its introduction a "sheer coincidence." The bill proposes to designate a "Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues" at the State Department and calls on the Secretary of State to set up an office in Lhasa, Tibet's capital. It also authorizes $2.75 million as humanitarian aid for Tibetan refugees, scholarships for exiles and human rights activities by Tibetan non-governmental organizations (or NGOs). The legislation includes language urging the U.S. government to step up its efforts to help political and religious prisoners in the Himalayan region, and to push for Tibet's representation in the United Nations. The Dalai Lama and other Tibetan representatives have been barred at the U.N. because of China's strong opposition. An American celebrityThe Dalai Lama is currently on a seven-city tour of the United States, a nation where he has become a bona fide celebrity. Political activists and Hollywood stars, from actress Sharon Stone to Beastie Boy Adam Yaunch, have worked to raise money and public awareness for Tibet. On Wednesday, he met Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura. The Tibetan leader will land in Washington around May 22, meeting with Bush administration officials.
In recent years, Beijing has significantly relaxed its grip on Tibetan economy, but it still tightly controls its politics. In a visit to Taiwan last month, the Dalai Lama said he was "excited" by signs that China was willing to compromise on Tibet. The Tibetan leader said he "sees global change -- more openness, democracy and respect for human rights," his spokesman Kelsang Gyaltsen said. "China is part of this world and cannot escape this global change," the Dalai Lama was quoted as saying.
RELATED STORIES: Dalai Lama meets former Taiwan president RELATED SITES: U.S. House of Representatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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