TPSA (Tibet Policy and Support Act) of US

Synopsis: The Tibet Policy and Support Act (TPSA) was passed by the US Assembly and will become a law after the US President signs it. 

What are the provisions of (Tibet Policy and Support Act) TPSA of US? 

The TPSA is an amended version of the Tibet Policy Act of 2002, which came into being during the Bush Administration. Most US administrations have extended support for Tibet and the Dalai Lama; and kept a balance between diplomatic relations with China. Following are the changes in the new policy:  

• Firstly, the recent amendment in the TPSA makes it a US policy, to oppose attempts by Beijing to install its own Dalai Lama. The law refers to a statement made by the spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry which said: 

• The “reincarnation of living Buddhas including the Dalai Lama must obey the Chinese laws and regulations and follow religious rituals and historical pacts”. 
• Any Chinese interference in the process of selecting Tibetan Buddhist leaders will face will attract sanctions. 

• Secondly, the TPSA has introduced provisions for protecting the environment of the Tibetan plateau and urges for more international cooperation and bigger involvement by Tibetans.  
• Thirdly, the TPSA appeals for a regional framework on water security as they claim that China is diverting water resources from Tibet. 

What are the stances of the US, China and India on Tibet? 

• The United States has made it very evident that Tibet remains a priority by passing the TPSA. They will continue to support the Dalai Lama and the CTA.  

• This does not come as a shock because the US-China relations have become much more difficult over the last two decades. 

• China had said that the TPSA has sent a wrong message to Tibet independence forces and strictly broken international law and basic norms governing international relations. 

• China has also claimed that this is an attempt to interfere in its internal affairs which they do not allow. 

• The country has outrightly opposed the bills which contain ill contents on china. 
• China’s foreign ministry has asked the US to stay out of their domestic affairs and not implement the bill that targets China and undercuts its interests. 

• India has mostly abstained from using the Tibet issue against China, and like the US, has a one China policy.  

• However, things changed this year in the on-going Ladakh standoff. India used its special forces made up almost completely of Tibetan refugees to occupy strategic heights in Pangong Tso’s south bank.